Flor De Izote the Edible Flower of El Salvador

This past month I visited El Salvador with my family. I had lots of fun and wished I could have stayed just a little longer. I did not post at all last month due to working and being tired, but I had a few topics written in my note pad that I have not been able to post. Since El Salvador is still fresh on my mind I will write a few topics on my trip experience. 

Today we will talk about Izote which is the national flower of El Salvador. Scientific name Yucca gigantea. It was officially designated in 1995 and is also known as the Yucca Flower. This flower is a cluster of little white bells that are formed in a cone shape. The Izote is native to Central America spanning from east of Mexico down to Costa Rica. This plant can withstand drought. It is also a great plant to have indoors. When young they can easily acclimate to your environment making them easy to grow indoors. Though too much watering can lead to root rot, so be careful. So, if you are a plant killer because you forgot to water your plant, don’t worry the Yucca plant can withstand it. The Yucca can also be propagated from suckers, cuttings and even seeds.

Izote is just one species in the yucca genus, there’s many others that are native to other regions. Such as the Soaptree Yucca, which is native to the southwestern part of North America. Used among the natives and is also the national flower of New Mexico. Historically the Yucca was part of the Lily family but is now genuinely classified under the asparagus family. The Yucca provides shade and shelter for small animals, keeping them protected from the hot dry sun. 

The Izote as well as other species can be eaten, for example, in El Salvador they have a dish called Izote Con Huevos. It’s traditionally eaten for breakfast with tomatoes and onions and tortillas. The flowers are cooked in with the eggs. I am sure there are many other ways. People cook with it. That is the most common way.  In Guatemala, the stems are boiled and eaten with lemon. It is sad that the taste is similar to artichoke hearts. I wouldn’t know because I didn’t get to try it and also, I’ve never had artichoke. You could plant has also been used for its fibers. To weave cords to make mats and sandals. It is amazing how one plant has so many uses. It provides for us food and materials to craft everyday useful things. Such a blessing of a plant that God gave. I hope this was insightful. Thank you for reading. Maybe one day I will try Izote in a dish and I will let you know how it tastes like. Read my other posts about edible flowers.

Will you try the Yucca Flower?

• Yes of course!
• No thanks!