flowersasfood

 Weeds invade just about every lawn in the nation. However, not all weeds are bad. Some weeds are actually edible. For example, Lantana is a common weed in the southern states and yet it is sold at lawn & garden stores as an ornamental plant.  As always, be certain that you know what plant you are eating or you could become very ill. 

This week I am listing three weeds that have edible parts. But not all parts of the plants are edile. Please only eat the parts that you are certain are edible.  

 Dandelions - Have you ever pulled up dandelions that invade your nice, green lawn? STOP! Get even with those darn dandelions by eating them! Dandelions are full of good, nutritious benefits for your body. And they taste good, too. Dandelion flowers have a sweet, honey-like flavor if they are picked when they are young and are eaten shortly after being picked. The unopened buds taste even sweeter than the young flowers and are good raw or cooked and can be made into dandelion wine. Pick them when they are small and bunched up close to the ground for maximum sweetness. The young leaves of the dandelion can be also be eaten steamed or used raw in salads. 

 Cattails – The shoots and the roots of the cattail are edible. In some cultures, the pollen from cattails has even been used in making biscuits. However, if you suffer from allergies, do not consume the pollen from a cattail as it could cause severe allergic reactions.  

Arrowheads – are an aquatic plant that forms large tubers at the root ends that are called ‘duck potatoes.’ The American Indians consumed these ‘duck potatoes and so can you. Although arrowhead plants are difficult to harvest, they are well worth the effort.

Hope you enjoy this post. Till next time, enjoy your weeds.

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