Bredes mafane are edible leaves from a plant called Acmella oleracea , also known as Pará watercress or electric plant . Native to Madagascar, this plant is highly prized in Malagasy cuisine, where it is used as a key ingredient in traditional dishes, including the famous romazava , a meat stew.
Brèdes mafane are unique because of their slightly anesthetic property and their spicy flavor. When chewed, they provide a tingling or “fizz” sensation on the tongue, often described as electric, due to the presence of spilanthol , a bioactive compound. This adds a particular flavor dimension to the dishes.
They are usually cooked, often sautéed or incorporated into stocks and stews. In addition to their culinary interest, mafane bredes have also been traditionally used for their medicinal properties, particularly to relieve dental pain and for their anti-inflammatory effects.
