Teak (Tectona grandis)

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

Found in East Asia, Tectona grandis or commonly known as Teak is a tropical, flowering, deciduous tree up to 40 m tall and 1 m in bole diameter. It has an open crown and its bole is often buttressed. The flowers are fragrant, white, and small. Same as the large, ovate-elliptic, papery leaves, it is often hairy on the lower surface. Fruits are globose. Teak is highly valued for its wood which is of superior quality.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

The leaves are added to the water in which unripe jackfruit is boiled prior to making the Javanese dish 'Gudeg'. This adds a fresh, reddish colour to the jackfruit. — The leaves are added to the water in which unripe jackfruit is boiled prior to making the Javanese dish 'Gudeg'.; This adds a fresh, reddish colour to the jackfruit.; A red dye obtained from boiling the wood shavings of the tree has been used to colour Easter Eggs.; The leaves act as a host for Rhizopus spores in Tempeh manufacture.

Habitat & North American Range

Occurs naturally in various types of tropical deciduous forests. (Zone 10)