Anze Merhar Posted March 10, 2014 Share Posted March 10, 2014 Spring is knocking on the door and since dandelion season is in full swing, I decided to make a list of a few "weeds" that are highly nutritious. This is mostly comprised of plants that I can find in my vicinity, so it's made of plants that grow in Central and North Europe. Before we start off, if you do decide to pick these plants, be mindful of the surroundings they're growing in. You'll not want to pick off a field that has lots of four-legged visitors, be sure that traffic and roads are not too near and avoid chemically treated fields. Now, let's start with one of my favourites: Disclaimer: I do not claim to be an expert on plants, I'm merely interested in edible plants that common folk has classified as weeds. Dandelion (Taraxacum):This plant is edible from tip to toe. It is high in vitamins A and C as well as Calcium (Ca) and Iron (Fe). Leaves can be harvested throughout the year, although young leaves harvested in March and April will have a less bitter taste and are more suitable for salads. The shape of the leaves can vary from very pointy to almost smooth.The roots can be ground and dried to make tea or additionally roasted to make a caffeine-free coffee substitute. The root can also be used just like a root vegetable would. The flower buds are perfect for salads or to make special wine. Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica):The stinging nettle is no ordinary plant. It is quickly becoming recognised as one of the super foods of the world. And they grow just about anywhere. The stinging nettle has one of the best protein count of any plant, ranging up to 25% of its dry weight in peak season. It's also rich in Calcium (Ca), Potassium (K), Magnesium (Mg) and also in vitamins A and B6. The plant has a downside, though. If you eat too much of it, it works as a powerful diuretic. When harvesting, be sure the wear gloves and long sleeves. It is best to harvest young plants before flowering, because the plant does not develop as many stingers and will have less of a hairy feel. It also tastes better. Stinging nettle shoots are especially yummy and can be eaten raw. A popular dish is the stinging nettle potatoe soup, just cook and blend and you're done. Easy. You can also substitue it for spinach. You can also dry the leaves, at which point the stingers will drop from them and use the leaves in herbal teas. Common Purslane (Portulaca oleracea):This plant is awesome. It has more omega-3 fatty acids than any other leafy vegetable plant as well as potent antioxidants. Besides that, it is high in vitamins E and C, as well as Magnesium (Mg), Manganese (Mn), Iron (Fe) and Potassium (K). It grows most in the summer, and can be recognised by its fat leaves and red stems both of which are edible, BUT should not be confused with pigweed as they can be similar in appearance. You can distinguish them by height and leaf thickness. Purslane is lower and has fatter leaves than pigweed. You can use it in salads or just steam it. Broadleaf Plantain (Plantago major):Besides being very useful as a poultice (just smash it up and put it on wound, it helps with regeneration), the leaves are also edible. It is rich in Calcium (Ca) as well as vitamins K, A and C. The leaves themselves get tough very quickly, so be sure to harvest only the youngest leaves. It can be harvested throughout the year. Substitute it for spinach or just throw it in a salad. Lamb's quarters (Chenopodium album):Also known as goosefoot, due to the shape of the leaves, it is easily identified due to its milky colour. It used to be common in people's diets, but has been displaced by spinach. Similarly to spinach, it is high in oxalic acids and should be eaten in moderation. It is high in Calcium (Ca), Manganese (Mn), Phosphorous (PO4) and Potassium (K) as well as vitamins C, A, B2 and B6. You can harvest the leaves throughout the growing season, and can cook or steam them in place of spinach. Sheep's Sorel (Rumex acetosella):Also known as sour weed, this member of the buckwheat family, like the name suggests, is sour in taste. It is rich in vitamins C and A as well as Magnesium (Mg), Iron (Fe) and Calcium (Ca). It can be harvested throughout its growing season (spring, summer, fall), with leaves going great in salads and the stems can be used as a refreshing snack on the spot. Just bite down and suck. If you have any weeds you know of that are highly edible, please feel free to add! 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikkel Ravn Posted March 10, 2014 Share Posted March 10, 2014 Great idea, I'll keep this in mind. Wonder if raw stinging nettle would be good in salads; a bit chili-like, perhaps? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anze Merhar Posted March 10, 2014 Author Share Posted March 10, 2014 You're free to try it, but I don't recommend it. Though stinging nettle shoots are prefectly fine raw and they have no sting in them at all. As I wrote, it is after they start flowering that they really develop their sting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Klemen Bobnar Posted March 10, 2014 Share Posted March 10, 2014 I use dandalions for salads a lot, but I didn't know you can eat the buds. Will have to try these, they all grow in my backyard . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anze Merhar Posted March 10, 2014 Author Share Posted March 10, 2014 Yes they can be eaten, but I need to update it slightly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anze Merhar Posted March 10, 2014 Author Share Posted March 10, 2014 Yes, I need to add that to my post. I meant to but then it slipped my mind. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frankincensed Posted March 11, 2014 Share Posted March 11, 2014 Well done! Everyone is invited to my place in about a month. I have a full complement of every weed discovered and probably some undiscovered Curious if clover is edible for humans? After I planted it (no longer making a weed perhaps) the rabbits moved in! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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