Foxnut (Euryale ferox)

Family: Nymphaeaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Euryale ferox is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 3 m (9ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It can grow in water.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Nuts/Seeds, Shoots

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Rich in starch. — Soft and pulpy, it is about the size of a small orange.; It is highly esteemed in China as a cooling tonic food.; Seed - fresh or dried.; The seed is about the size of a pea, each fruit containing from 8 to 15 seeds.

Habitat & North American Range

Ponds and lakes in lowland, C. and S. Japan. (Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10)