per 100 grams
Carbohydrates 3.7 g
3.7%
Proteins 2.6 g
2.6%
Fats 0.4 g
0.4%
Water 91.6 g
91.6%
Fiber 1.7 grams
Trans Fats 0 ug
Ash 1.7 grams

Pokeberry Shoots

23 Calories per 100g

and how to cook it

Pokeberry shoots are sweet and tasty, nutritious, and versatile little green stalks that will make a delicious addition to your dinner table. Found in wetlands, fields and near rivers, these slender green plants are actually a type of wild berry, closely related to raspberries, blackberries and other relatives of the Rosaceae family. Bowls of fresh pokeberries shoots, also known as poke salad, can be found as part of traditional Southern cuisine, where they have been a staple in the American diet for centuries. If you’re inclined to try these vibrant greens, here’s everything you need to know about pokeberry shoots, including how to buy, clean, and cook them perfectly.

Pokeberry shoots are aptly named— they technically are edible berries, but they’re rarely eaten whole, just like the berries of the pokeweed plant it’s derived from. The shoots can be cooked like most other greens, such as kale or Swiss chard, and their flavor is similarly mild and sweet. They’re usually sold as young shoots when they are no more than 12 inches tall, and tend to look like asparagus with red or purple coloring at the tip. Any shoots larger than 12 inches should not be eaten as they are likely to be toxic.

To buy pokeberry shoots, seek them out from a trusted local source, such as a farmer’s market or farm-stand. Alternatively, pokeberry shoots can be grown in your own garden with a minimum of care and attention. The young shoots can be harvested by cutting them at the soil level. Make sure the shoots you buy are not wilted or wilting, have no noticeable insect damage and have no discoloration. When shopping for them, bring a cooler bag with you to transport the shoots if you’re purchasing them away from home.

Once you bring the pokeberry shoots home, the first task is to clean them, especially if you’ve collected them yourself. Fill a large bowl with cold, clean water, add the shoots and swish gently to remove any dirt. Pokeberry shoots are very tender, so be careful not to break or bruise them. After they’re clean, cut off any remaining stems with a sharp knife.

With the shoots cut and cleaned, it’s time to cook! Pokeberry shoots are extremely versatile and can be boiled, steamed, stir fried or eaten raw. The shoots are said to be best if boiled for about 3-4 minutes— this helps to bring out the sweet, nutty flavor. Boiled pokeberry shoots can then be served hot, as a side dish, or cooled and added to salads and other dishes. They can also be cooked with other vegetables, as part of a stir fry, or added to soups and stews.

Raw pokeberry shoots can be added to different salads, where their sweet and mild flavor becomes the star. Try adding them to fruit salads, pasta salads, and any other type of dish you find yourself craving. Raw pokeberries are also great for making a flavored vinegar. Simply boil some pokeberries in a small amount of white vinegar for about an hour until the berries are dissolved. The resulting liquid can be used to give salads a punch of flavor and nutrients.

If you’re looking for a new and exciting green vegetable to add to your cooking repertoire, pokeberry shoots are a great option. Nutritious, delicious, and versatile, they can be cooked in a variety of ways and used in many delicious dishes. Whether boiled, steamed, or raw, pokeberry shoots make a wonderful addition to the dinner table.