Jerusalem Thorn (Parkinsonia aculeata)

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

Parkinsonia aculeata is an evergreen Tree growing to 7.5 m (24ft) by 7.5 m (24ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The flowers are pollinated by Bees, Birds. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline and saline soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

rich in protein (they contain around 21% protein, 62% carbohydrate and 8% fat) and have the potential for use as human food . — Seed - raw or cooked.; The mature seed is dried, then cooked when required.; The seeds are rich in protein (they contain around 21% protein, 62% carbohydrate and 8% fat) and have the potential for use as human food.; The dried, powdered seed has a digestibility rating of 76%, increasing to 85% when cooked - this is higher than for many of the commonly eaten legume foods.

Habitat & North American Range

Semi-desert vegetation, mainly in desert valleys and desert grassland zones, at elevations up to 1,300 metres in the subtropics and up to 2,400 metres in the tropics. (Zone 9)