Now that I’ve had my first weeding session in the garden it has made me think, once again, about how many of the plants we call “weeds” are actually edible. Not just edible but some are downright gourmet-level yummy.
My favorite edible “weeds” are nettles but I’m hoping to broaden my horizons and try to find more favories out there. One potential new edible I have not tried yet is called Japanese Knotweed. There are spots on the river, here, where it is coming up all over the place. The young shoots are high in vitamins and are tart/tangy like rhubarb.
Also, there is a weed called “pepper grass” or “shot weed” that is all over the permaculture and community gardens. Maia told me that it’s actually quite tasty and indeed, it had a bitey, perppery flavor and lacy texture. I plan to start using it with salad greens…
Here is a more information on common edible weeds >>
And don’t forget chickweed. It’s all over the yard this time of year and is very good for us.