Mashua (Tropaeolum tuberosum)

Family: Tropaeolaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Tropaeolum tuberosum is a PERENNIAL CLIMBER growing to 2 m (6ft 7in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is frost tender. It is in flower from June to October, and the seeds ripen from June to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Roots/Tubers, Flowers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavour, it is rather unpleasant to many tastes. — A peppery flavour, it is rather unpleasant to many tastes.; The flavour can be improved somewhat by freezing the tubers after they have been cooked, they are then considered to be a delicacy by many people.; We have also noticed an improvement in the flavour if the tubers are harvested after they have been frosted, though if the frost is too heavy they can damage the tubers.; Other reports suggest half-drying the tubers before use.

Habitat & North American Range

Mountain slopes and valleys. Moist wooded scrubby areas around 3000 metres in Peru and Ecuador. (Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10)