In El Salvador, during the first months of the year, our landscape is adorned with colors, thanks to the trees that bloom, offering not only their beauty but also flowers that are part of our gastronomy. One such flower is from the pito tree, which naturally grows in arid areas and is used to fence farms. Therefore, it does not require special cultivation.
What does the flower look like?
Its flower is red and shaped like a bloodied sword; it consists of a calyx and petals that surround the stamen, which must be removed to consume the flower, eliminating the bitter taste.
Salvadoran housewives use the pito flower to prepare delicious bean soups, fritters, ground meat, and they also make a delightful sweet with the flower, mixing it with panela or sugar.
Besides gracing Salvadoran home kitchens, the pito flower is attributed medicinal properties such as sedative effects. A relaxing beverage is prepared from it to calm the nervous system.
Properties
The sedative properties of the pito flower are attributed to the high concentrations of alkaloids and flavonoids present, which produce a sedative effect.
There is also a belief that placing the pito flowers under the pillow helps children sleep peacefully.
Additionally, pito flowers are rich in dietary fiber and vitamins A and C. The roots of the tree are used in infusions to alleviate intestinal pain and digestive problems.
