Quilquina (Papalo) (Porophyllum ruderale) packet of 20 seeds, organic

Family:  Aster (Asteraceae)

Annual, 90 days to harvest.

(Papalo, Bolivian Coriander, Killi, Papaloquelite)  Native to South America, this smooth-leaved plant makes a rounded, multistemmed bush to 3 feet.  The plant remains in vegetative stage for a long time before going to flower, at which point if forms multiple upright buds that eventually open up to reveal a perfectly round ball of fluff, like a little moon.  The leaves may be harvested as needed.  They are soft and succulent, a strangely tasty addition to summer salads or salsas.  Traditional usage:  carminative, flavor-enhancing, appetite-inducing, digestive.  Plant prefers sun and regular garden soils.  Sow the small, needle-like seeds on surface, barely cover, tamp well and keep warm and in the light until germination.  Space plants 2  feet apart.

20 seeds per packet, Certified Organically Grown

Recipe for Quilquina Salsa:

1/2 cup chopped green leaf and stem of quilquina

1 clove garlic

1 teaspoonful salt

2 medium tomatoes

1 avacado (or 1/4 cup olive oil)

juice of 1/2 lemon

Mix it all together and. . . zing!