| Abstract : |
This ethnobotanical study explores the traditional knowledge and use of leafy vegetables in North Macedonia, focusing on both culinary and medicinal aspects. In 2024, structured interviews were conducted with 67 respondents from five regions of the country, gathering information on the use of twenty-one species from ten botanical families. The majority of the species belong to the families Apiaceae and Asteraceae. All respondents reported consuming leafy vegetables, with most of them also using wild species. The most frequently cited plant was spinach (Spinacia oleracea), with a citation frequency index of 0.58. These plants are most frequently prepared in the form of salads, soups, stews, teas, juices, smoothies, and pies, or used as spices. Apart from their dietary roles, these plants are traditionally used to support various health functions, including those of the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, immune, urinary, and respiratory systems. Certain species are also associated with benefits such as detoxification, the treatment of anemia and diabetes, weight management, improved bone health, and anticancer effects. Despite their significance, ethnobotanical research on leafy vegetables in North Macedonia remains scarce, highlighting the need for more in-depth studies. Continued research is crucial to safeguard this traditional knowledge and to better understand the broader cultural, ecological, and health-related values of these plants. |
