In traditional herbal medicine the seed is considered a mealy nutritive herb that is antispasmodic, cardiac, diuretic, emollient, nervine and stimulant. A gruel made from the ground seed is used as a mild nutritious aliment in inflammatory cases, fevers and after parturition. (Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin 1984) The seed contains the antitumor compound b-sitosterol and has been used as a folk remedy for tumours (Duke. J. Handbook of Energy Crops)

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The seed ripens in the latter half of summer and, when harvested and dried, can store for several years. It has a floury texture and a mild, somewhat creamy flavour. It can be used as a staple food crop in either savoury or sweet dishes.

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Europe, Northern Europe