Pacpa (Furcraea andina)

Family: Asparagaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Furcraea andina is a PERENNIAL growing to 2.5 m (8ft) by 1.5 m (5ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Flowers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Edible Portion: Bud, Leaves - alcoholic drink. The young buds are edible. They are pickled. The leaves are used to make a fermented drink. — Edible Portion: Bud, Leaves - alcoholic drink.; The young buds are edible.; They are pickled.; The leaves are used to make a fermented drink.

Habitat & North American Range

Tropical highlands. All climates, from coastal plains to elevations above 3,000 metres. (Zone 10)