Edible weeds?

Gingham_Ribbon

Erm, does anyone know what the situation is with eating plants grown in soil that cats have previously used as a litter tray? Are the leaves alright but not the roots? I don't think I could though but I DO have lots of dandelions (and 3 cats...)

Quasar

Cat or any other animal's "do" fertilises the soil. The plant metabolises everything it absorbs, so when the nutrients get into the leaves they have been thoroughly recycled. Just make sure you wash the leaves properly.

Also, young nettle leaves, lightly cooked, make a nice addition to vegetables. Or so I have been told.

I sprout organic alfalfa and mung beans. Very cheap, fresher-than-fresh salad greens and very healthy too. Some of the mung I let grow until the double leaves are each a little over an inch long, then cut them and cook them lightly. Delicious with a slip of butter. Soy beans are ok too.

arkonite_babe

I remeber I used to eat plants when I was little that were know as "sour leeks" I have no idea what they are really called. Can anyone help?? Or if you know what hey are, please point me in the direction of a picture so I can try and find them again. Thanks!

futumsch

Edible weeds friends... How many of us have cockles, whelks, or mussles when we go to a seaside resort? They are the just the same as your garden snail. How about collecting up your garden snails (the big fat ones) and feeding them on some garden leaves for a couple of days and then popping them in the frying pan with some mushrooms, butter and garlic? They are really meaty and nice in a crusty piece of bread. cough ahem*%#!!.

bargainqueen_2

arkonite_babe wrote:

I remeber I used to eat plants when I was little that were know as "sour leeks" I have no idea what they are really called. Can anyone help?? Or if you know what hey are, please point me in the direction of a picture so I can try and find them again. Thanks!

Looks like this is a typical Norn Iron thing! http://www.habitas.org.uk/flora/species.asp?Item=3778
Can be used as substitute to the french sorrel. Looks quite an interesting little plant!

Here's a picture, is that how you remember it?
http://www.gardenguides.com/articles/sorrel.htm

nicki_2

The only thing I've done with dandelions is dyeing sheeps wool while at an outdoor eductaion place. Don't ask for details as its about 16 years ago :rotfl:

debstilley

There is a brilliant book by Richard Mabey called 'Food for Free.'
Tells you about all the edible British wild plants including fungi and seaweeds.
You can eat almost all the weeds in your garden - one called 'hairy bittercress' grows in everyones garden and tastes peppery just like bought watercress! Don't be put off by the name! Pick before it flowers,wash well and add to salads. Yummy AND nutritious!!
Deb.

DSmiffy

Try this book "Self Reliance - A Recipe For The New Millenium" by John Yeoman. It has a section at about eating weeds and even a recipe for GRASS !!!

squeaky

Common Sorrel?

critical1

most weeds are edible, but I would advice cauton and research before eating as some plants are poison if not prepared properly like rubarb... the leaves are no good!!!!!

In Greece a lot of weeds are eaten and are very tasty