The world has over 7,000 types of edible plants, yet we are currently focused on just 15 staple crops. The most familiar and widely consumed include rice, corn, potatoes, cassava, and beans…
The Super Staple Crops of the Future
Most of these crops are drought-sensitive and may struggle to meet the needs of 8 billion people in the future as the Earth warms. However, humanity can still be saved by six species of “hunger-resistant plants.”
1. Enset
The leading star among the current “hunger-resistant plants” is Enset, a relative of the banana. It resembles the common banana plant but is not cultivated for its fruit, hence it is often referred to as false banana.
Enset, harvested for its trunk instead of its fruit.
The homeland of Enset is Ethiopia (East Africa). Instead of fruit, Ethiopians harvest its starchy stems and roots. They ferment this starch, cook it into porridge, or make bread.
The Enset plant can thrive for up to 12 years, and a family of five only needs 60 plants to be nourished for an entire year. Enset is not fussy about soil, is drought-resistant, and can yield harvests without much effort.
At least, it is currently a staple food for around 20 million people in Ethiopia. It is estimated that the existing Enset supply could feed 100 million people. If cultivation is expanded across Africa and other continents, Enset has the potential to become a primary food source that combats hunger globally.
Moreover, Enset also provides plant fibers, allowing the construction industry to utilize it as a sustainable natural material. It combines extremely well with mud, creating eco-friendly bricks.
2. Wild Pineapple
Wild pineapple, a super plant with salinity and drought resistance, yields fruit.
In the wild coastal areas of the Asia-Pacific, the Pandanus plant, also known as wild pineapple, thrives. The fruit of the wild pineapple is rich in vitamins and potassium, while its leaves are fragrant and can be used to flavor jams, cakes, sticky rice, or wrap fish and meat…
Due to its coastal growth, wild pineapple is accustomed to being splashed by waves, salted, and exposed to strong winds. It can withstand both salinity and drought, requiring minimal care from humans.
According to traditional Eastern medicine, the fruit and roots of wild pineapple also have therapeutic properties, particularly for ailments related to the liver and kidneys.
3. Marama Bean
Marama bean tubers can weigh up to hundreds of kilograms.
The Marama bean originates from South Africa and grows well in arid areas. It is a perennial plant that yields tubers and seeds.
Marama bean tubers are high in protein (9%) and are among the most nutritional tuber crops on Earth (cassava has protein levels ranging from 1-3%, while yam has 7%). Because it is perennial, Marama bean tubers can be massive, weighing over 200 kilograms.
The seeds of Marama beans are also rich in protein, with levels ranging from 30-39%, comparable to soybeans (38-40%). Researchers believe that as global warming makes soybean cultivation challenging, Marama beans could serve as a substitute, providing a rich source of plant-based protein for 8 billion people.
4. Nopal Cactus
Nopal cactus produces leaves and fruit rich in water, fiber, and vitamins.
In the desert regions of Mexico (North America), grows a type of edible cactus known as Nopal. It is nicknamed the pancake cactus or prickly pear cactus due to its flat leaf shape.
As a desert plant, the Nopal cactus is extremely drought-resistant. Thanks to its thick, juicy stems, it stores an impressive amount of water, allowing the plant to withstand prolonged droughts.
As an edible plant, the Nopal cactus produces both leaves and fruit. The cactus pads, after removing the spines, can be eaten raw, offering a sour, slightly slimy taste that is refreshing. They can also be dried as vegetables for later use. The cactus fruit has a sweet, refreshing taste, making it easy to use as a beverage. Overall, both the leaves and fruit of the Nopal cactus are high in water content, fiber, and vitamins.
5. Chaya
Chaya is safe to eat after being boiled for 20 minutes.
Also found in Mexico, specifically on the Yucatan Peninsula, is a highly toxic yet edible plant: Chaya. It is a perennial shrub that can grow up to 6 meters tall, has large leaves, is drought-resistant, and is particularly nearly immune to pests.
Typically, a Chaya plant grows peacefully and ages without being damaged by insects. This is because this plant contains toxins in its stems.
Despite being highly toxic, the leaves and shoots of Chaya become safe once boiled and cooked thoroughly. They provide abundant protein, vitamins, iron, and calcium, making them regarded as super greens in the Americas.
Research indicates that Chaya is 2-3 times more nutrient-dense than common vegetables. To eliminate toxins, simply boil Chaya in water for 20 minutes, then you can stir-fry, cook soups, or stew as desired.
6. Arabica Coffee
Arabica coffee is drought-resistant but is not yet widespread due to low yields.
Coffee is a plant that prefers high altitudes and cool temperatures, and it is among the most threatened crops due to global warming. However, in Sierra Leone (West Africa), a wild and highly drought-resistant coffee species has been discovered: Arabica.
Researchers happily refer to Arabica coffee as Coffea stenophylla (rare wild coffee). Arabica coffee beans have high acidity, retaining the natural sweetness and aroma of fresh fruit. However, due to its very low yield, Arabica coffee is not yet considered a viable crop.
While coffee is not essential for food security, it is a global passion for beverages. It remains a top economic crop that is indispensable for the future.