Sesbania flower, cooked, steamed, with salt
Whole food · Vegetables and Vegetable Products
Photo: Wikipedia
Sesbania flower, often called 'Agathi' or 'Hummingbird tree' flower, is a delicate, slightly bitter edible blossom popular in South and Southeast Asian cuisine. When steamed with salt, it develops a tender, melt-in-the-mouth texture with a subtle, earthy flavor reminiscent of mild asparagus or green beans. Nutritionally, it is exceptionally low in calories (21 kcal/100g) and provides a modest protein boost (1.14g) while being virtually fat-free, making it a light, nutrient-dense addition to meals.
Calorie split: 18% protein · 80% carbs · 2% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love it for its unique, slightly bitter yet earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with spicy or tangy seasonings. Its cultural significance in traditional dishes like stir-fries and curries makes it a beloved seasonal ingredient in many households.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The natural bitterness can be off-putting to some, and it may cause digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities. To counteract this, soak the flowers briefly in salted water before cooking, or pair them with protein-rich foods like lentils or yogurt to balance flavors and improve digestion.
Key benefits
- Low-calorie, nutrient-dense vegetable option
- Provides plant-based protein (1.14g per 100g)
- Rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients
- May support digestive health due to its fiber content
- Naturally low in fat and cholesterol
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
Sesbania flowers are often used in traditional medicine to treat respiratory ailments, and their vibrant yellow-orange color comes from carotenoids, which are powerful antioxidants.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 93.3 g |
| Energy | 21.0 kcal |
| Energy | 90.0 kj |
| Protein | 1.1 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 0.05 g |
| Ash | 0.41 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 5.1 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 22.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.56 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 12.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 21.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 107 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 247 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 0.70 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 37.0 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.05 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.04 mg |
| Niacin | 0.25 mg |
| Folate, total | 57.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 57.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 57.0 ug |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 0.00 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 0.00 iu |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3), International Units | 0.00 iu |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total trans | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
| Tryptophan | 0.02 g |
| Threonine | 0.05 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.06 g |
| Leucine | 0.10 g |
| Lysine | 0.06 g |
| Methionine | 0.01 g |
| Cystine | 0.01 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.06 g |
| Valine | 0.07 g |
| Arginine | 0.06 g |
| Histidine | 0.02 g |
FAQ
Are Sesbania flowers safe to eat raw?
While some varieties are eaten raw in salads, it's generally recommended to cook them (steamed, stir-fried, or boiled) to reduce bitterness and improve digestibility.
How do I store Sesbania flowers?
Store fresh flowers in a perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, blanch and freeze them.
Can I eat Sesbania flowers if I have a pollen allergy?
Sesbania flowers are not typically associated with pollen allergies, but if you have a known allergy to legumes or similar plants, consult a healthcare provider before consuming them.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 0.21 kcal/g · 22% calories from protein · 0.0 g fiber · 0.0 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 2.31 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.