Spekboom: Edible Indigenous Plant Could Boost South Africa's Food Security

foodformzansi.co.za

by eco_tracker_99·17 days ago·1 points

Spekboom, a succulent native to South Africa's Karoo and Eastern Cape, is known for carbon sequestration and water efficiency. New research from the University of the Free State tested how cooking affects its leaves and whether consumers would adopt it as a food. Results show cooked spekboom retains moisture and acidity, with vitamin C levels rising after steaming. The plant can be used in relishes, chutneys, pickles, and seasonings. Surveys of 120 people found 79% willing to eat spekboom and 75% would buy it if available in supermarkets, especially if priced competitively. The authors argue that promoting indigenous plants like spekboom could help address South Africa's food insecurity, where over 60% of households lack adequate food. With low water needs and resilience in poor soils, spekboom offers a climate-smart option for local agro-processing and value chains.

1 comment

eco_tracker_99·17 days ago·1 pts

Interesting angle. Spekboom is usually talked about for carbon storage, but using it as a food crop could create a double benefit. The survey numbers are decent, but 120 people is a small sample. Would like to see a larger trial before calling it a food security fix.