Camassia quamash
Quamash, Small camas, Utah small camas, Walpole's small camas
Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Camassia quamash.
General Information
Plant Properties
Growth conditions
Moist
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Partial shade, Full sun
Usage properties
Root
Bee forage
Description
Bulb: raw or cooked. The bulb can reach a diameter of 5 cm. In its raw state, it has a mild, starchy flavor and a sticky texture. Cooked, the bulb is tastier, with a delightful sweet flavor comparable to chestnuts. Moreover, the bulb is highly nutritious and can be slowly fried for a different delicious result. The bulb can also be dried and turned into powder, which can serve as a thickening agent in stews or be mixed with grain flour to make bread or pastries. Additionally, it can be boiled down to molasses, which was once used by indigenous tribes during festive occasions. The bulbs can be harvested year-round, but are best in early summer when the seeds are ripe. These bulbs contain inulin, which dissolves when slowly cooked and transforms into fructose, a sweet sugar.