Environment & Energy
Related: About this forumEat The Weeds: Neighborhood Foraging
Last edited Sun Mar 20, 2016, 12:30 PM - Edit history (1)
Make a spring salad or add to a smoothie
EatTheWeeds; Episode 134: Neighborhood Foraging
Eat The Weeds: http://www.eattheweeds.com/
eppur_se_muova
(36,261 posts)they have become an invasive species here. Pretty white blooms, no fruit. Just sucking up resources that could have fed local insects, birds, critters, humans.
appal_jack
(3,813 posts)Look up 'cleft grafting' if you are curious. Scionwood should be collected in January or February, then stored in a refrigerator until the grafting time.
-app
Lodestar
(2,388 posts)Weed pesto recipe: Trisha Shirey
Collect weeds in an area that is free from contamination of toxic chemicals.
Avoid weeds that are near or adjacent to areas where there are pets or livestock roaming and that are close to heavily trafficked roadways.
Pick weeds before they are flowering for best flavor.
Wash weeds well after harvesting and give them a rinse in water that has ¼ cup of vinegar per gallon of water.
Drain well and use them soon after harvesting for the best flavor and nutrition. Use a salad spinner to gently remove excess water from the weeds.
Weed Pesto
3 tablespoons nuts (lightly toasted walnuts, pine nuts, pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds)
2 cloves of garlic or ½ shallot, if desired
4 to 5 cups of weeds that have been washed and well dried (Dandelion, chickweed, cleavers, lambs quarters, orach, purslane)
1 cup of fresh herbs for more flavor (cilantro, oregano, parsley, sorrel, savory, mint, lovage or basil or a combination of any of these
½ cup olive oil (more to get the texture you desire)
2 tablespoons lemon juice (Keeps the color bright)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, if desired
Salt and pepper to taste
Add nuts to a food processor with the motor running and process until well chopped. Add garlic or shallot to processor with motor running. When those have formed a thick paste use a spatula to scrape the sides of the bowl and add the weeds and herbs. Pulse the motor in short burst to chop them evenly. Add the oil in a slow drizzle while the motor is running. Add lemon juice, cheese if desired and season to taste.
Use this pesto as a dip with vegetables, bread or crackers or toss it with hot pasta. It can also be thinned with more olive oil and some vinegar and used as a salad dressing.
Weeds can also be chopped and added to soups for a more nutritious meal. Nettles, chickweed, and dandelions are all good additions to soup. Add weeds to a smoothie or brew with herbs for tea. Lightly sauté herbs and add them to scrambled eggs or a frittata.
AwakeAtLast
(14,124 posts)When she had trouble getting around we would take her. Always had to be very young, tender greens. I didn't care for them (I was 7) but she loved them.
One reason I haven't gotten the courage to try them as an adult is that I am too worried about chemicals that might be lurking on them.
Thanks for posting, I may have to jump in and try it!
Lodestar
(2,388 posts)Our elders have a lot of wisdom to pass along about natural sources and remedies.
Grocery stores like Whole Foods sell dandelion greens
Seems a little silly to buy them when they are so abundant.
We just aren't accustomed to foraging for our food. It is
surprising how abundant food is in nature if only we will
educate ourselves.
I made a smoothie using a few of the spring greens from my yard (I have a
natural yard rather than a lawn). It was deeeelicious.
I first learned about dandelion leaves as a girl in girl scouts.