Chipilín facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chipilín |
|
|---|---|
.jpg) |
|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Crotalaria
|
| Species: |
longirostrata
|
Crotalaria longirostrata, often called chipilín, is a special plant that grows back every year. It's a type of legume, like peas or beans. This plant is originally from Mexico and Central America. People also know it by other names like chepil or longbeak rattlebox.
Contents
What is Chipilín?
Chipilín leaves are a very popular leafy vegetable in many local foods. You can find them in southern Mexico, especially in areas like Chiapas, Oaxaca, and Tabasco. They are also a favorite in Central American countries, particularly El Salvador and Guatemala.
Why Chipilín is Good for You
These green leaves are packed with important nutrients. They have a lot of iron, which helps your blood stay healthy. They also contain calcium, which is good for strong bones. You'll find magnesium and beta carotene in them too. Beta carotene is something your body turns into Vitamin A, which is great for your eyesight.
How People Use Chipilín
People use chipilín in many tasty ways. You can boil the fresh leaves and serve them as a green vegetable. Sometimes, people dry the leaves and use them like an herb to add flavor to dishes. A common way to use chipilín is to mix it into tamale dough. This gives the tamales a nice green color and a unique taste.
Chipilín's Spreading Nature
When the pods of the chipilín plant become dry, they open up. This action, called dehiscence, helps spread the seeds over a large area. This plant also has a special quality: animals usually don't eat it. Because of these two things, chipilín can spread very easily.
Is Chipilín an Invasive Plant?
Sometimes, chipilín is seen as an invasive plant. This means it can grow quickly and take over areas where other plants might be. In the United States, chipilín is sometimes called a "noxious weed". This might be because some other plants in the Crotalaria family can be toxic to animals like cattle. Because of this, bringing chipilín seeds or plants into Australia is not allowed. However, chipilín has also started growing in new places, like on the island of Maui in Hawaii.
