Mayan Name: Chaay
Cnidoscolus aconitifolius
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Chaya is one of the most important plants in Mayan culture. Its bright green leaves have nourished generations of Yucatecans and are considered a superfood due to their high nutritional content.
Per 100g: Protein 5.7g, Iron 11.4mg, Calcium 199mg, Vitamin A 10,000 IU, Vitamin C 165mg
Contains 10 times more vitamin C than orange
The Maya called it 'the plant of life'
Must be cooked before consumption (never raw)
Used in the famous Yucatecan 'chaya water'
Can grow up to 3 meters tall
Native to the Yucatan Peninsula, Chaya grows wild throughout the region. The ancient Maya cultivated it in their family gardens and considered it sacred.
