Can red locust flowers be eaten

As we all know, Sophora japonica flowers have a particularly fragrant smell when they bloom. The most common Sophora japonica flowers are white and hang on the branches. The wind blows gently and the air is filled with the faint fragrance of Sophora japonica flowers, which makes people feel relaxed and happy. Among the Sophora japonica flowers, the red Sophora japonica flowers from China National Offshore Oil Corporation have bright colors and large flowers. However, many foodies are wondering if the red Sophora japonica flowers are edible. Since the taste of Sophora japonica flowers is so good, can we use them to make snacks?

1. Can red locust flowers be eaten?

Red-flowered Sophora japonica, whose official Chinese name is Red-flowered Sophora japonica, also known as Fragrant Sophora japonica, is a hybrid variety of Robinia japonica. The flowers of red locust are large, beautiful in shape, abundant in quantity, long in flowering period, bright in color, and elegant in fragrance. The red flowers in full bloom, set off by the lush green leaves and graceful tree shape, have the unique style of garden woody flowers and have a very high ornamental value.

Although this red locust tree is beautiful, it is not edible. Recently, there have been reports of food poisoning caused by eating red locust trees. The owner of the garden also looked up some information. Red Sophora japonica is a poisonous plant. Its stem bark, leaves, pods and seeds are poisonous, and the inner layer of the stem bark is the most toxic. If people accidentally ingest it, it will cause poisoning. Usually after one or two days, symptoms such as fever, swollen tongue, and edema of subcutaneous tissue, especially the lower limbs, will appear. Some people also believe that Sophora japonica contains alkali, which can cause dizziness, nausea, vomiting and other symptoms if ingested accidentally. To sum up, it’s better for us not to eat it!

2. Robinia pseudoacacia

If you want to eat, you should eat the white locust flowers. The Chinese name of locust flowers is Robinia pseudoacacia. It can be used for viewing and eating. It has the effects of clearing heat, cooling blood, and lowering blood pressure. It is really a rare delicacy! Sophora flowers can be eaten in various ways, such as steamed locust flowers, fried locust flowers, locust flower cakes, locust flower buns, etc.

3. Introduction to Red Sophora japonica 1. Morphological characteristics

Deciduous shrubs or small trees, up to 2 m tall. The stems, twigs and pedicels are densely covered with red spines. Stipules become thorn-like. Pinnate compound leaves, with 7 to 13 leaflets, broadly elliptic to nearly circular, 2 to 3.5 cm long, with obtuse tips. The flowers are pink or purple-red, and are arranged in sparse racemes of 2 to 7. Pods, with glandular spines.

2. Gardening use

It is a garden shade tree, street tree, shelterbelt and pioneer tree species for urban and rural greening, and is also an important fast-growing timber species.

3. Growth environment

It likes light very much, is afraid of shade and waterlogging, is cold-resistant, and likes well-drained soil. Shallow roots, well-developed lateral roots. It can grow in dry land and on coasts, has strong adaptability and produces vigorous root and seedling production.