Pignut
Conopodium majus

Family: Apiaceae

What it is like

A herb. It keeps growing from year to year. The stem is smooth and slender curving. It grows 1 m tall. The leaves are much divided. The flowers are small and white. They are in flat topped groups at the top of the stem. It has a rounded 'nut' or tuberous root under the ground. It can be 2.5 cm across.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows in fields and woodlands. It grows in hardiness zone 6.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Britain, Europe, France, Ireland, Luxembourg, North Africa, Norway, Portugal, Scandinavia, Spain, USA

How it is used for food

The tubers are sliced and lightly fried and added to salads. They can also be boiled or roasted.

They are especially eaten by children.

Edible parts

Roots, tubers

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Arnut, Earth chestnut, Earth nut, Frexo, Hawknut, Jarnut, Jordnott, Kippernut, Macuca

Synonyms

Bunium flexuosum Stokes; Conopodium denudatum Koch;