Stachys affinis
Chinese Artichoke, Artichoke betony
Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Stachys affinis.
General Information
Plant Properties
Growth conditions
Moist
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Partial shade, Full sun
Usage properties
Leaves, Root
None
Description
Bulbs - raw or cooked. They have a pleasant mild flavor and are lightly digestible, but quite small and inconvenient in size, about 5-8 cm long and 2 cm wide. They have a nutty and artichoke-like taste and can be eaten raw, added to salads, or lightly cooked. The bulbs discolor quickly when exposed to air and it is said they lose their flavor when peeled. It is best to harvest them when needed. The yield is about 1 kg per square meter. Leaves - cooked. These are used as food during a famine, only when everything else fails.