Family: Euphorbiaceae
Scientific name: Plukenetia volubilis
Common name: Sacha Inchi
Origin: Peru

The Sacha Inchi originates from the Amazon of Peru where it has been cultivated for centuries for the oil that can be pressed from the seeds: Sacha-Inchi oil. The seeds are high in omega fatty acids and vitamins A and E, which makes this oil useful for health. In addition, the taste is delicious. The seeds can also be hulled and roasted so that they can be eaten as a healthy snack .
It is a small climbing plant that grows to a maximum height of 2 meters in nature. The leaves are heart-shaped and the plant can flower within 5 months. The flowers are white and are followed by 5 cm large fruits with 4 to 7 lobes. They color from green to brown and are not edible. The leaf of the plant can be cooked and eaten as a vegetable. The plant can be kept as an annual in a greenhouse or as a perennial in the house.

Sowing description:
First soak the seeds for 24 hours in lukewarm water and then sow in sowing and cutting soil. Keep the soil moist constantly and let it germinate in a warm place in the house (>20grC).

Sowing time: January - june
Difficulty: Intermediate
Minimum temperature: 10 degrees Celsius

Photo 2: NusHub (cropsforthefuture.org)