By Hoya105
Devon,
United Kingdom 
Has anyone else grown Apios americana - the groundnut? I planted it 4 years ago and thought it had died during the winter. The bed it was in was covered for months last year, but this spring it emerged and dashed up the bean supports nearby. The flowers were very pretty and scented and today i have dug up a bucketful of tubers - some a good 3" long! They are ok tasting but are said to be good for thickening sauces/stews etc, does anyone know how to dry them/grind them etc. Any recipes?
23 Oct, 2010
Answers
It is - 3 times more protein than potatoes! I have tried them roasted and boiled - ok - but not much flavour. So i'm going to try fritters tomorrow. I thought of putting a few tubers on ebay as they seem hard to get hold of.
26 Oct, 2010
You'll have to let us know how they tasted!
I'm intrigued by this plant I must admit, as I am with a wide range of plants from various disparate families that have been utilised by man for their root or stem tubers especially if they are less well known, so thanks for bringing it to my attention.
If I get an allotment I would like to try this along with a few others from various families such as:
Chinese Artichoke (Stachys affinis)
Oca (Oxalis tuberosa)
Yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius)
Along with more unusual strains of Potato, Sweet Potato and Jerusalem Artichoke.
26 Oct, 2010
Yes, i'm going to try sweet potatoes in my greenhouse next year. At the moment i'm dealing with the jerusalem artichokes - even tho i've banished them to a far corner - the tubers are huge! So i am making & freezing soup!
When you get your allotment give me a shout and i'll send you some groundnuts to try.
27 Oct, 2010
Thanks Hoya. I'll hold you to it, even though you will have to hold out for a long time yet :-)
27 Oct, 2010
Well Hoya, its looking like no one does :-P
Interesting plant though.
24 Oct, 2010