Glorious weeds!!!!

Edible weeds

Glorious weeds, we find them everywhere, the edible weeds, even in the inner city concrete jungles. They charge through the thickest layers of asphalt and cement and they make the smallest of cracks their home. There is something in the explicit energy of weeds  that needs taking some note of. What if we could use that energy for good. Most of these energetic plants are edible. What if these edible weeds should be what we are using as our food? Would we be more healthy, would we find it easier to fulfill our need of different nutrients?

Yes of course! And it is time to take action!

What weeds to start off with?

My absolute favourite trio of weeds are Nettles, Clivers and Dandelion. They are three fabulous herbs that are vastly underused and subsequently underrated.  These herbs are easy to find and easy to identify, always ask someone with knowledge if you are unsure identifying any herb before using as culinary or medicinal herb. Likewise if you are ill or do not feel well please consult a healthcare professional. These three herbs has been used widely as medicinal herbs and they have a long growth season. Some say nettles are only nice in spring but the fact is each season has its advantages…

Nettles

– A stinging affair with heaps of attitude. Once used as a remedy for rheumatism, yes people were asked to roll naked in stinging nettles, the idea behind it was that

circulation would increase and the body’s own healing mechanism would be triggered. Did it help? Well there is a saying that “there is no gain without pain” but this is taking it just that tad bit too far. No doubt there is a valid idea but Nettles have a lot of uses without any pain whatsoever, its a win win really. Only think of that energizing nettle soup….. Nettle is definitely not just for spring, it can be collected well into autumn. In fact the medicinal properties increase as the nettle

reach full height. Therefor pick nettles for drying in late summer and autumn. If however you would like to make some Nettle Soup it is wise to only use the top shoots. A perfect dish for springtime.

Dandelion

– The meadow gold! My favourite spring flower, the one that tells of wonderful summery things to come. It gets so much shame but this little trooper is through and through useful and all parts except possibly the stem has a good use. How about some Dandelion Wine! Medicinally Dandelion is also very useful. Why not delve into the fabulous world of this little miss Sunshine! Don’t forget the delicious roots in the autumn.

Clivers

– The master of stickability! No other weed gives such satisfaction in weeding, grab hold of it and pull and you get more than you can

hold. But Hey!!!! Please dry and use the herb! This herb makes an excellent tea. It promotes circulation, especially circulation of lymph, the waste management system of the body. This herb can be extremely useful to patients who has had an operation and experience swelling.

Next step on the foraging journey

A key to finding edible weeds and how to use them.

Having taken the first step on your foraging journey it is now time to dive into the unknown, or at least try some herbs that you did not think of before:

Gorse – the hills of Wales are golden, a shrub that just never disappoints. It has never really been a big hit as a medicinal plant but absolutely offers some food for the soul. Pick some flowers for the winter salad bowl. Nibble on some flowers on that strenuous walk uphill, pickle and use as capers or indeed make some wine. Do not eat too many though, it contains a substance that may be toxic if overused.

Lambs Quarters – this plant can be found in abundance! It has been used to fatten livestock. It can be used as spinach and is very rich in minerals.

Rosehips – the autumn treasure! Rosehips are full of wonderful nutrients and has several medicinal uses. Why not try as an extra special dessert or flaked in your muesli.

Elder – Stuffed full of antioxidants. Fabulous cordial made of flowers and classic cold remedy Elder berry syrup.