Did you know that many weeds are not only safe to
eat — they're also delicious? Weeding is just about the most tedious and time
consuming task any gardener faces. But with many common weeds, you can take a
different route: Try eating them. Here's a short list of commonly weeded plants
that can add rustic flavor to your garden harvest. Just be careful — before you
eat anything outside, positively ID it visually by using a guide book or by
asking a knowledgeable person if you have any doubts.
Dandelion
Probably the most well-known of all weeds, the
humble dandelion is actually bursting with vitamins A, B, C, and D, as well as
minerals such as iron, potassium, and zinc. The great news is that there’s
probably a ton of this nutritious weed in your backyard. The dandelion has been
used throughout history to treat everything from liver problems and kidney
disease to heartburn and appendicitis. Today, it is mainly used as a diuretic,
appetite stimulant and for the liver and gallbladder. Every part of this common
weed is edible, from the roots to the blossoms. Use the leaves in sandwiches
and stir fries – they boast more beta carotene than carrots, meaning they are
great for healthy eyes! Roots can be made into a herbal tea, or roasted and
ground as a coffee substitute. The sweet flower heads will add color to salads
and can be used to make wines.
Daisies
Not just for making daisy chains, the greens and
petals of this common garden flower can be eaten either raw or cooked, although
some find the flavor a little bitter. Daisies have been brewed into a tea and
used in traditional Austrian medicine for gastrointestinal and respiratory
tract disorders. They also have anti-inflammatory properties.
Chicory
This light blue flower lives as a wild roadside
plant. Despite its somewhat bitter taste, chicory leaves are commonly consumed
in certain parts of Europe, including Italy and Greece. Try boiling the leaves
first before sautéing or adding to dishes as that will remove some of the
bitterness. Roots can be baked, ground, and added to coffee or even used on
their own as a coffee substitute. Chicory is well known for its toxicity to
internal parasites and can also be used as a tonic to stimulate appetite, act
as a diuretic, cure an upset stomach and help with constipation. It’s believed
to protect the liver and help with gallbladder disorders.
Clover
More correctly Red Clover. You might have noticed
that this pretty pinky-red flower attracts all the bees to your garden. It’s
not just a great source of food for them, but also for you! Traditionally used
in India for its anti-inflammatory properties, Red Clover has also been used as
a folk remedy for cancer. However, as the American Cancer Society states there
is no evidence to back this claim up, it’s best to enjoy red clover simply as a
source of calcium, chromium, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, potassium,
thiamine, and vitamin C. Because it’s also a rich in isoflavones, chemicals
that act like estrogens in the body, go easy on your intake. Small amounts of
raw clover leaves or the flowers can be added to salads, sautéed or pan
roasted.
Garlic
Well at least Wild Garlic. Something all foragers
hope to come across, wild garlic is a great find. With delicate white flowers
and thin shoots, this useful ‘weed’ is delicious when used in a homemade pesto.
It can also be used in place of chives or green onion, and added to salads,
sandwiches and soups. Just like the garlic we’re used to buying in the store,
the wild variety also boasts antibacterial, antibiotic, antiseptic and
antifungal properties. Of all the garlics, wild garlic has been found to have
the greatest ability to lower blood pressure.
It doesn’t matter to us whether you want desert landscaping, lush
lawns or some type of landscaping in between, we can help. We serve
businesses like yours all over the Phoenix Metro Area. To find out how give us
a call at 623-848-8277.
Presented by:
Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance, LLC
623-848-8277
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