Huauzontle

Chenopodium berlandieri spp. nuttalliae
Huauzontle growing at the UMass Research Farm in June 2008. (Photo by Krsytian Madrid)

Huauzontle growing at the UMass Research Farm in June 2008. (Photo by Krsytian Madrid)

Introduction

Huauzontle is an herb native to Mexico and has a very similar look and growth to lambsquarters (Chenopodium album), a very common weed in the Northeastern United States. It is grown for its seed heads which are used in several traditional recipes.

It is grown for its seed heads which are used in several in several traditional recipes. It is one of the favorite greens of author Diana Kennedy (author of many cook books on Mexican cuisine), where she likes it for .. “its intense green flavor and interesting texture.”

Two seed sources of huauzontle were evaluated at the UMass Research Farm in 2008. The plants grew well, but the inflorescence did not readily form the thick seed heads desired by this market. This could be due to longer days here in Massachusetts.

Huauzontle for sale at a wholesale market in Morelia Mexico in 2007 (Photo by Frank Mangan)

Production

In the Northeastern United States, it is best to start Huauzontle in a greenhouse and transplant out into the field after the danger of frost.

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