Huauzontle Seed Harvest: November 2020

Huauzontle (Chenopodium berlandieri nuttaliae) is a close relative of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) and common lamb's quarters (Chenopodium alba). Before the arrival of maize in eastern North America, this species was one of the main grain crops in the eastern agricultural complex. It was domesticated independently both in eastern North America and Mexico from wild pitseed goosefoot (Chenopodium berlandieri). Although the eastern North American domesticated forms eventually went extinct, the Mexican domesticated forms continue to be cultivated in modern times for their greens and young flower buds. Although less commonly done, the seeds can also be steamed and eaten like quinoa. Based on my attempts to sift the seeds, they appear to be almost as large as quinoa seeds. Since one plant yielded 3.5 ounces of seeds, this plant has the potential to yield at least half as much grain by weigh as maize.

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