Pig Nut, Earth-nut

Bunium bulbocastanum

Physical Characteristics

Bunium bulbocastanum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Western and Southern Europe, including Britain, from the Netherlands to Italy.

Habitats

Meadow; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Edible Uses: Condiment Root - raw or cooked[46, 61, 115]. A delicious taste very much like sweet chestnuts when cooked[2, K], but the tubers are very small and fiddly to harvest[183]. Seed and flowers. Used as a flavouring[61, 183], they are a cumin substitute[46]. Leaves - raw or cooked. They are used as a garnish and a flavouring in much the same way as parsley[46, 61, 183].

Medicinal Uses

Astringent Astringent[61].

Known Hazards

None known