American Ground Nut, American Peanut, Hopniss Fabaceae

Discover the unique flavor and aroma of American Ground Nut, also known as the American Peanut Hopniss Fabaceae. This attractive climber produces scented burgundy flowers in autumn, which eventually turn into strings of edible tubers. A staple in early American diets, this plant is a versatile and delicious addition to any recipe.

With a climbing height range of 3-20 feet, American Ground Nut is a versatile and hardy vine. Its edible tuberous rhizomes can grow up to 8 inches, making it a nutritious addition to any garden. A great choice for both climbers and ground plants, it's a must-have for any gardening enthusiast.

The American Ground Nut is a versatile plant with edible flowers and seeds. While the seeds can be cooked after being shelled, the tubers are best cooked before consumption due to a bitter latex in them. 

Tubers can be eaten raw or cooked, with a delicious flavour somewhat like roasted sweet potatoes. The tuber can also be dried and ground into a powder then used as a thickening in soups etc or can be added to cereal flours when making bread.

Tubers contain 17% crude protein, this is more than 3 times that found in potatoes. The tubers can be harvested in their first year but they take 2 - 3 years to become a sizeable crop. They can be harvested at any time of the year but are at their best in the autumn.  Tubers harvested in the autumn will store until at least the spring. Yields of 2.3 kilos of tubers per plant have been achieved.

Seeds can be cooked, but rather small and not produced very freely, they are used like peas and beans. A good source of protein, they can be ground into a powder and added to cereals when making bread etc. The seedpods are 5 - 13cm long, containing 6 - 13 small seeds.

Medicinal Uses

American Ground Nut is a highly beneficial medicinal plant. With genistein, a powerful anti-carcinogenic compound, it is ideal for treating external cancers. Native Americans have used it for centuries, cooked first and then used as a plaster for its medicinal properties.

If used daily this dietary addition provides numerous benefits, such as reducing bad cholesterol, preventing heart diseases, boosting fertility, aiding weight loss, and enhancing brain function. Benefit from the power of groundnuts and nourish your body with this natural superfood.

For more information you can visit the PFAF (plants for a future) website here.

Supplied as 1 plant in 3L pot