2024: Recognizing Edible Fern

Hello hivers 😊

Welcome to my page, this time let me take you to forage some edible fern which is abundant in our place where they sprouts most when raining. We had an abundant rains, and they are sporadically growing under coconut trees near the river. The rain brought sprouts to grow happily and most of us local eats those.

What is Paco?

Paco, scientifically known as Diplazium esculentum, is a type of fern that’s widely distributed in Asia and Oceania.

The young fronds or leaves are the parts which we can eat. The outer leaves or matured one is hard already.

They are rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin A and iron.

Paco is often mixed with other ingredients. You can put it in a ginataang gulay as substitute to malunggay or simply you can blanch them and add spices for salad treats.

Must be thoroughly cooked, not overcooked though since its a leafy vegetable. We were told not to eat it raw, not so sure why. Perhaps its because if its taste? It has a unique taste and smell.

It can be easily harvested by hand just like deadheading sprouts. They usually grow scattered on the grounds with some ferns that is not edible. Those others are being use as a foliage on flower arrangements.

Don't be confused

The one

Wild, inedible

Wild, inedible

Clips for keeps:

Seethe difference between edible fern or not 👇

Potential Health Benefits of Paco

1. Skin Wellness
2. Reduces Cholesterol
3. Iron-Rich
4. Enhances Cognitive Health
5. Fiber-Abundant
6. Encourages Cellular Development
7. Enhances Blood Flow
8. Reduces Inflammation
9. Strengthens Bones
10. Cleansing Benefits
11. High In Vitamin A
12. Fights Oxidative Stress
13. Heals Wounds
14. Strengthens Immunity
15. Energizing Benefits
16. Supports Cardiovascular Health

Source : 16 Potential Health Benefits Of Paco Leaves
Written by Be Healthy in Paco,Vegetables

From all the potential health benefits here on the list by Be Healthy, one thing is very known to us locals. It is that it reduces cholesterol. We often hear that eating paco on regular basis can help those who suffers with high blood pressure. Thus, many elders that has this health problems eat Paco more often.

Though the plants can grow naturally on side of the rivers and creaks. I have also seen people farming this edible Paco for business. When we were kids, every Saturday morning we foraged those as much as we could and sell it to the town on Sunday morning for 2 pesos a bunch which we could buy pencils and papers after.
Such a gift from nature.

I hope this helps you recognizing the right fern to eat. Its easy for us to tell, but for those who are not familiar just ask me I pick you some. I usually bring those as a pasalubong to Cebu. I have not seen Paco in the market here.

Bye for now ☺️🤗

Images are mine taken with Vivo 1901.

_{Asean Hiver. Hive Ph. Islander Journal.Ladiesofhive. Loves Reading and sharing thoughts and experiences.}