Have You Considered Eating Your Weeds?

摘要

In most parts of the developed world, Pigweed, Spider plant, Lambs amongst others are regarded as weeds. But in Africa and other developing countries, these plants form part of the daily diets of many rural households. The oldest inhabitants of South Africa have harvested leaves from wild plants to supplement the meat from hunted animals. Over 100 different species of plants are cooked as a potherb/relish with corn meal. These species include indigenous species as well as indigenized, mostly weedy, species. These species became part of the African culture and heritage and were collectively known as morogo or imifino. The popularity of specific species is a function of many factors, including availability, ease of preparation, taste, consistency and appearance. Some popular genera are Amaranthus, Cleome, Solanum and Corchorus. Micronutrient malnutrition is widespread in South Africa with vitamin A and iron as the major concern for micronutrient deficiency. Morogo can contribute to alleviating these micronutrient deficiencies. It was found that for the species tested, that morogo are low in energy and that leaves of nightshade, pigweed and spider flower provided more than 50% of the RDA for vitamin A.