Fernaldia pandurata (A. DC.) Woodson in family Apocynaceae (common name: loroco) is an edible flower that grows in El Salvador and other Central American countries. It is an important and popular source of food in Guatemala and El Salvador. The plant's buds and flowers are used for cooking in a variety of ways, including in pupusas.
The name "loroco" is used throughout Mesoamerica to identify Fernaldia pandurata (A. DC.) Woodson. In Guatemala, another species (Fernaldia brachypharnynx Woodson) is endemic to the province of Escuintla in the southern part of the country and shares the same common name (Azurdia,César).
Properties of Loroco Flower:
This natural aphrodisiac product contains vitamins A, B and C, besides calcium and iron. It is rich in fiber, all of this nutritional information is backed by two analytical reports prepared by "Instituto de Nutricion de Centro America y Panama" I.N.C.A.P.(Nutritional Institute of Central America and Panama). This product consist of the flower of the Loroco, which are very aromatic and pulpous besides, it is low in calories (only have 32 in 100gr). Loroco has more nourishing properties in the nourishing composition table witch shows that 100gr of Loroco flowers have 89.3 gr of water.
Thanks to the fiber, it also has a spasmodic properties, which act like a relaxing component. Clusters of unopened buds and partially- and fully-opened flowers are clipped from the vine and stored in well-ventilated baskets (not in plastic bags). If required for export, they are quick-frozen or canned.
Fernaldia pandurata is a herbaceous vine with oblong-elliptical to broadly ovate leaves 4-13 cm. long, 1.5-8 cm broad, inflorescences are generally somewhat shorter than the leaves, with 8-18 flowers, the pedicels 4-6 mm. long; bracts ovate, 1-2 mm long; calix lobes ovate, acute or obtuse, 2-3 mm. long; corolla white within, greenish outside. This natural aphrodisiac product contains vitamins A, B and C, besides calcium and iron. It is rich in fiber, all of this nutritional information is backed by two analytical reports prepared by “Instituto de Nutricion de Centro America y Panama” I.N.C.A.P.(Nutritional Institute of Central America and Panama). This product consists of the flower of the Loroco, which are very aromatic and pulpous besides, it is low in calories (only have 32 in 100gr). Loroco has more nourishing properties in the nourishing composition table which shows that 100gr of Loroco flowers have 89.3 gr of water. Thanks to the fiber, it also has spasmodic properties, which act like a relaxing component.
The Loroco flower definitely has a distinctive taste, a highly aromatic earthy- artichoke, flavor with overtones of nuts. It is used in salads, rice dishes, stews and sauces. Unfortunately, only if you get it fresh you will experience the flavor when it is cut and used in recipes. Frozen, it loses its flavor. Anyhow, it comes in jars (brined or pickled in vinegar), or frozen.
Distribution and ecology
Due to its delicious aroma, good taste and nutricional value, Loroco considered of excellent benefit to the high gourmet cuisine. For my favorite recipe so far try Cream Chicken with Loroco.
