Ever heard of PANCs? Meet 11 plants you can eat and didn’t know

Unconventional food plants, also called PANCs, have been attracting more and more people’s interest, both from those in the biology and nutrition area, as well as those who work in the kitchen and even those who simply like to cook at home.

Specialist Valdely Kinupp, author of the book on PANCs and creator of that name, explained, in an interview with presenter and culinary artist Bela Gil, that these plants are easily found, but that most people do not know their food functions.

Some such as arrowroot and nettle were already widely consumed in the past, but ended up falling into disuse and are now becoming known again. This happened because they became known by pejorative names, as if it was something consumed at the time of slavery because people were dying of hunger. But they are great and very nutritious options, in addition to democratizing food, since they are accessible to everyone and easy to find. Meet some:

1. Serralha

It is bitter and should be soaked in cold water or lime orange juice to eliminate this taste, and then sautéed in garlic to accompany dishes such as beans and angu.

2. Little fish

When breaded and fried, it is similar to a fish in shape and flavor, hence the name. It can be served as a snack or in pasta and risotto.

3. Arrowroot

It is very nutritious and from this medicinal plant it is possible to extract a gluten-free starch that can replace wheat or oats. It can also be used to prepare porridge.

4. Now-pro-nobis

Well known in Minas Gerais, it is used mainly with chicken, beans and angu. It also works as a green dye. It has a more neutral flavor and should not be chopped to avoid drooling.

5. Purslane

Plant rich in proteins, calcium, magnesium and zinc. It must be boiled or sautéed before being consumed. Often used in salads.

6. Nasturtium

The leaves, seeds and flowers are edible. It has a spicy flavor and can be used in the preparation of sauces or salads.

7. Taioba

A classic of rustic cuisine, it is very tasty and can be consumed as an accompaniment to feijoadas or to make a vegetable roll. It needs to be cooked for consumption.

8. Black Picão

Nutritious and tasty, it has a high content of iron and zinc, and must be cooked before consumption. Very used in picão rice and also in tea that can be taken with lemon drops.

9. Capiçoba

Similar to arugula, it has a hotter flavor and is good to use in pizzas, breads and to accompany some stir-fried dishes or even raw, in salads.

10. Caruru

It is rich in protein, fiber, iron and magnesium. Often used indoors to accompany meats or in the middle of beans. Its flavor is very similar to spinach.

11. Nettle

It is one of the richest plants in iron and in some countries, such as Italy, it is a famous item in cooking, used in a soup called zuppa di ortiche, which is a rarity.

Before consuming any PANC, it is important to always research, either on the internet or in books on the subject, to correctly identify the plants that can be ingested and thus avoid intoxication or other problems.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.