Pitpit-Lowland
Saccharum edule
Want to track this crop?
Download the Farmis app
Plan your farm, track growth milestones, and get personalised advice.
Quick Info
water
Regular watering, prefers moist conditions
spacing
1 metre between plants
depth
15-20 cm deep (stem cuttings)
sun
Full sun to partial shade
season
Year-round, plant at start of wet season
frost
Frost sensitive above ground, regrows from base
height
2-3 metres
gemination
N/A (grown from stem cuttings)
sprout to harvest
6-8 months from planting
soil ph
5.5-7.0
soil type
Rich, moist, well-drained soil
fertilizer needs
Moderate, responds well to compost and manure
About
Pitpit is a unique indigenous vegetable of PNG and the Pacific, related to sugarcane. The edible part is the unopened flower head (inflorescence) wrapped inside the leaf sheath, harvested before it emerges. Pitpit is a traditional delicacy cooked in bamboo or banana leaves and is an important part of PNG highland and lowland cuisine.
Health Benefits
Good source of dietary fibre, vitamin C, and minerals. Low in calories. The soft inflorescence is easy to digest. Contains trace minerals from the cane.
Market Requirements
Harvest when the flower head is still tightly wrapped inside the stem. Stems should be firm and the wrapped inflorescence should feel full. Sell fresh within 2-3 days.