Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis)

Family: Simmondsiaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Simmondsia chinensis is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft) by 2 m (6ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Wind. The plant is not self-fertile.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Late Summer, Fall, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavoured drink similar to coffee. — Seed - raw or cooked.; Often parched and then eaten.; It is also been made into a well-flavoured drink similar to coffee.

Habitat & North American Range

Well drained desert soils - sandy alluviums, coarse gravel and clay mixes and loams. (Zone 9)