Knowledgebase

Planting Chufa in Oregon #864465

Asked April 14, 2024, 11:02 AM EDT

We have a two-acre property in Lebanon bordering the forest. There are many wild turkeys walking through. I read that chufa is an excellent forage for turkeys. I bought a large bag of them that I intended to plant. Then while searching the internet an article explained that it should NOT be planted in Oregon. Could you please clarify if chufa can be planted here to be forage for this wildlife. Thank you for all the expert advice I have received from your website. Mike

Linn County Oregon

Expert Response

OSU does not have much in the way of materials regarding chufa, other than methods for eradicating it. This overview from the Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board, though, talks about why other plants might be a better choice.

https://www.nwcb.wa.gov/weeds/yellow-nutsedge


Amy BakerOregon State University | Extension Communications Replied April 15, 2024, 4:20 PM EDT
Thank you Amy,
We will not plant any of the 50lbs of chufa we have but will enjoy many gallons of cold horchata. Thank you again for the excellent and prompt response.
Mike 
Sent from my iPhone

On Apr 15, 2024, at 1:20 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:


The Question Asker Replied April 16, 2024, 4:13 AM EDT

Hi Mike!

The nature of Ask Extension questions is that they are visible to the public unless requested otherwise. As such, we have a person who saw your question and is interested in making horchata too. They were hoping you could tell them where you found the 50 lbs of chufa that you purchased.

If you're not comfortable answering, or if you want your initial question/answer made private, just let me know.

Amy BakerOregon State University | Extension Communications Replied May 07, 2024, 1:22 PM EDT
Hi Amy,

Chufa seeds can be purchased at Hancock Seed. They are on the internet. I think there is a sale right now. To be a little more exact Horchata is originally from Spain and is called Horchata de Chufa. The Mexican Horchata is made with rice. They are both yummy, but the chufa gives an added coconut like flavor. Instead of planting this invasive species here in Oregon we are enjoying the ice cold horchata beverage. I personally like mine with some cinnamon. 
Thank you always for being an excellent resource.
Mike
From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Tuesday, May 7, 2024 10:22 AM
To: Michael Zelko <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Planting Chufa in Oregon (#0134388)
 
The Question Asker Replied May 07, 2024, 11:47 PM EDT

Thank you so much for helping out another horchata fan! I'll forward your response to them.

Amy BakerOregon State University | Extension Communications Replied May 08, 2024, 11:56 AM EDT

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