Understanding the Diverse Pennywort Family
The term “pennywort” is a common name used for several different plant species, which can be confusing as their edibility varies significantly. These plants typically have round, coin-shaped leaves. Correct identification is crucial to distinguish edible types from harmful ones.
Edible Pennywort Varieties
Several pennywort species are recognized for their use in food and traditional medicine, particularly in Asian cultures.
- Centella asiatica: Also known as Gotu Kola or Asiatic Pennywort, this variety is well-known and native to Southeast Asia. It is valued for its vitamins, minerals, and triterpenoids, which may benefit cognitive function and skin health. It has a slightly bitter taste and is used in various dishes and drinks.
- Hydrocotyle umbellata: This species, known as manyflower marsh pennywort or dollarweed, is found in the Americas and is considered edible. It grows in wet areas and has a mild, cucumber-like flavor, often added to salads.
- Hydrocotyle vulgaris: Marsh pennywort, found in Europe and North Asia, is also edible. Its leaves have a stronger, carroty taste and should be consumed in moderation.
The Importance of Correct Identification
Foraging for wild pennywort carries the risk of misidentification. Some plants that resemble edible pennyworts can be harmful or inedible, such as invasive species like floating pennywort (Hydrocotyle ranunculoides) or lookalikes like Centella erecta with unknown edibility. To forage safely:
- Select Clean Locations: Pennyworts grow in wet areas and can absorb pollutants; choose clean foraging sites.
- Verify Identification: Be absolutely sure of the plant's identity, using a guide or expert if needed.
- Check Leaf Attachment: In edible Centella asiatica, the stem joins the leaf at the edge, while in many Hydrocotyle species, it attaches in the center.
The Health and Nutritional Profile of Edible Pennywort
Edible pennywort, especially Gotu Kola, is prized for its nutritional value and traditional health uses.
Rich in Essential Nutrients
Edible pennyworts contain vitamins A, B, C, and K, as well as minerals like calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and phosphorus. They also contain antioxidants and compounds like asiaticoside, known for their anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties.
Potential Health Benefits
- Brain Function: Gotu Kola may help improve cognitive abilities and memory.
- Skin and Wound Healing: It has been used to treat skin conditions and may help heal wounds and reduce scars by promoting collagen production.
- Stress and Anxiety: As an adaptogen, it may help manage stress and has potential calming effects.
- Circulation: Gotu Kola might strengthen blood vessels and improve blood flow.
Culinary Uses and Preparation Methods
Edible pennywort's mild flavor and crisp texture make it versatile in cooking and beverages.
Raw Applications
Pennywort can be added raw to salads for a slight crunch and peppery or cucumber notes. In Southeast Asia, it is commonly juiced, often with sweetener, or used as a garnish.
Cooked Preparations
Older leaves can be cooked in stir-fries or soups. In Sri Lanka, Gotu Kola is used in a dish called malluma, and a nutritious porridge with pennywort purée is also popular.
Edible Pennywort Varieties Comparison
| Feature | Asiatic Pennywort (Centella asiatica) | Marsh Pennywort (Hydrocotyle vulgaris) | Manyflower Marsh Pennywort (Hydrocotyle umbellata) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origin | Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka, Australia | Europe, North Asia | North and South America |
| Appearance | Round, scalloped leaves; stem attaches at the edge. | Shield-shaped, round, serrated leaves; stem attaches in the center. | Round, scalloped leaves; stem attaches in the center. |
| Flavor | Slightly bitter, sweet, vegetal. | Strong, carroty taste. | Mild, cucumber-like. |
| Culinary Use | Raw in salads, juices, cooked in curries. | Cooked; consumed in moderation. | Raw in salads, cooked as a pot herb. |
| Traditional Use | Memory tonic, wound healing, skin health. | Mild diuretic, historically misattributed to liver fluke disease in sheep. | Often used as an edible weed in salads. |
Safety Precautions and Considerations
While generally safe in moderation, consuming pennywort requires caution. The main risks are misidentification and harvesting from polluted areas.
- Contamination: Pennyworts can absorb contaminants from water; only harvest from clean sources and wash thoroughly.
- Drug Interactions: Pennywort may interact with medications for diabetes, high cholesterol, or diuretics; consult a healthcare professional if on medication.
- Liver Concerns: Individuals with liver disease should avoid Gotu Kola due to rare reports of liver injury.
- Moderation: High doses can cause side effects like headaches or stomach upset; start with small amounts.
Conclusion
Yes, certain pennywort species are edible and beneficial. However, relying on the common name alone is insufficient for safety. Proper identification of species like Centella asiatica and Hydrocotyle umbellata is crucial, as is harvesting from clean environments. With these precautions, edible pennywort can be a nutritious addition to your diet. For further foraging information, resources like Eat The Weeds can be helpful.
How to Forage for Edible Pennywort Safely
- Identification is key: Confirm the botanical species before consuming any wild pennywort to avoid harmful lookalikes.
- Harvest from clean water: Since pennyworts are aquatic or semi-aquatic, only gather them from pristine, unpolluted water sources.
- Check the leaf stem: For Gotu Kola, the stem attaches at the edge of the leaf, while for many Hydrocotyle species, it attaches in the center.
- Start with a small amount: Try a small quantity first to check for any personal adverse reactions, such as stomach upset.
- Wash thoroughly: Always wash foraged leaves thoroughly before eating to remove any soil, bacteria, or potential contaminants.
- Avoid if pregnant or have liver issues: As a precaution, pregnant or nursing individuals and those with liver disease should avoid consuming pennywort.
- Consult a doctor: Discuss potential interactions with a doctor if you are on medications for diabetes, high cholesterol, or using diuretics.
