Horseradish Tree

The Horseradish Tree has nothing to do with horseradish. It is not related to the horseradish plant at all.

Just about every part of the tree can be eaten, except the bark, which is toxic.

In its first year, the tree can grown 10 feet (3 metres) tall, and in subsequent years will reach up to 35 feet (10 ½ metres.) In its first year, it starts blooming with soft yellow flowers, which then produce pods growing six inches (15 cm) to 4 feet (1.2 metres) long.

When picked young, leaves from the tree taste like mustard and can be either eaten raw, or cooked as a green. They are high in protein, calcium, potassium, and Vitamins A and C.

The flowers can be also eaten if cooked first. They are high in calcium and potassium.

The peeled root tastes something like horseradish.

Young seed pods can be cooked as you would a green bean. They also taste like horseradish, and hence the otherwise unhelpful English name.

Matured seed pods can be stewed, though you eat them like artichoke, scraping the inner pulp off against your teeth and discarding the rest. When cooked, the taste and texture are closer to okra.

Inside the pods are seeds that can be pressed to produce an odourless edible oil that won’t turn rancid. The seed is also used to purify water.

Nutrition Facts Per 1 cup, chopped of leaves boiled and drained
		Amount
Calories		25
Fat		.4 g
Carbohydrate		5 g
Protein		2 g

History Notes

Horseradish Tree is native to northern India. It is now grown throughout the tropics.

Language Notes

Aka Indian Drumstick tree.