Reviving the American Groundnut: Rediscovering a Lost Superfood from Our Heritage

Harvested groundnut tubers after several years of planting.Photo byProgress / Linda Morrison

Once upon a time, nestled in the heart of North America’s rich agricultural tapestry, a humble yet extraordinary tuber known as the American groundnut (Apios americana) thrived. Often overshadowed by more familiar crops, this plant, also known as 'hopniss,' is North America’s answer to the South American potato. The American groundnut, a tuber from a bean plant, is a unique and versatile food source. Its beans, flowers, and shoots are all edible, but the tuber holds the most promise as a serious food crop. Indigenous peoples cherished it for its hearty, nutty flavor and nutritional benefits, incorporating it into their diets alongside other staples.

European explorers were introduced to this unique plant in the late 16th century. Sir Walter Raleigh’s 1585 voyage to Virginia brought the American groundnut to European attention through the observations of Thomas Harriot, a scientist on the expedition. Harriot described the plant’s tubers, known then as “Openauk,” noting their walnut-like size and tendency to grow in moist, marshy areas, often in clusters. Boiled or cooked, Harriot observed, they were an excellent source of food. This early recognition underscores the groundnut’s potential as a valuable food source and its deep roots in our history.

The A to Z Book of Weeds and Other Useful Plants written and illustrated by Michael Earney.Photo byMichael Earney

The Decline of a Native Crop

Despite its promising qualities, the American groundnut began to fade into obscurity with the arrival of European settlers. As colonists introduced new crops and agricultural practices, the groundnut’s significance waned. The shift towards monoculture farming, driven by the desire for higher yields and more straightforward cultivation, rendered the groundnut less practical. Its need for up to two years to mature and its growth pattern—where tubers spread like a string of peanuts along the plant’s root system—made it difficult for large-scale commercial farming.

The groundnut’s decline reflects a broader trend in agricultural history, where efficiency and uniformity became the primary goals. Traditional crops like the American groundnut, which required more time and effort to cultivate, were overshadowed by more predictable and easier-to-manage varieties. The result was a loss of biodiversity and a disconnection from the rich agricultural practices of the past.

Working with Dr. Blackmon’s 43 improved cultivars from LSU breeding program.Photo byThe Utopian Seed Project

A Renaissance in the Making

Yet, as the old adage goes, “What goes around comes around.” Recently, a burgeoning interest has been reviving forgotten crops like the American groundnut. This renewed fascination is fueled by a growing awareness of the need for sustainable agriculture and a desire to reconnect with our culinary heritage. The groundnut’s adaptability to various soil conditions, from wet streambanks to drought-prone areas, makes it an appealing candidate for modern agricultural practices, particularly in the face of climate change. Its potential to contribute to sustainable agriculture is a reason for hope and optimism.

Foragers and enthusiasts have begun to rediscover the groundnut’s value. It is relatively easy to forage for hopniss in the wild, with knowledgeable foragers able to harvest a bushel bag in a few hours using just a shovel. However, cultivating it is a different story. The tubers require up to two years to mature, and their sprawling growth pattern makes them difficult to farm on a large scale. Additionally, they are susceptible to certain pests and diseases, which can further complicate the cultivation process. 

For adventurous gardeners eager to cultivate American groundnuts, whole tubers are recommended over seeds. Seeds can be genetically varied, leading to uneven plant growth and inconsistent yields. Whole tubers, on the other hand, offer a more reliable start. These tubers can be sourced online from various suppliers, including Norton Naturals, Sand Mountain Herbs, and even eBay.

Foraging for hopniss.Photo byforagerchef.com

Current Uses and Future Prospects

If you’re eager to experience the American groundnut or hopniss, your best bet is to forage for it in the wild or grow it yourself. Foraging is a relatively straightforward process for those with knowledge of where to find the plant, as hopniss is easy to spot and harvest. However, cultivating it can be a long and often frustrating endeavor. The tubers require up to two years to mature, and their sprawling growth pattern makes them challenging to farm on a large scale.

Despite these challenges, there’s hope on the horizon. For a brief period, scientists at Louisiana State University made significant strides in improving the yield and tuber set of Apios americana. Their research yielded impressive results, with up to 7 pounds of tubers per plant in a single season. Unfortunately, this research was discontinued, but it has recently been revived by plant enthusiasts at Iowa State University. These renewed efforts aim to refine the cultivation process and increase the availability of improved hopniss tubers.

Late in summer and in early autumn, hopniss sports gorgeous, edible flowers.Photo byWikimedia Commons

As these advancements continue, the future for American groundnut looks promising. With ongoing research and development, it’s possible that hopniss could become more accessible and popular, potentially reestablishing itself as a valuable and sustainable food source. This resurgence could not only revive a piece of culinary history but also contribute to more diverse and resilient agricultural systems, promoting biodiversity and reducing the environmental impact of modern farming practices.