5 wild plants you didn't know were delicious!

Without a doubt you have seen one or all of the following plants scattered about your yard, local park, or even alongside the roadsides. While it is common for most of us to write these plants off as invasive "weeds", we may be missing out on more than we think. As a lawn care company, we understand wanting to keep your lawn free from most of these plants, and of course we have all natural and organic systems to get rid of them. However, before you call us out to clear these plants out, consider these alternatives:

The Dandelion:

You've seen this plant your whole life. Most likely blowing the wispy white seeds and watching them drift in the wind. Did you know that just about the entire plant is edible? That's right! From the roots, to the beautiful yellow flowers on top, there are plenty of vitamins and minerals that you've been missing out on. Dandelions are an excellent source of beta-carotene, Vitamin B, and Vitamin C. You will also find several trace minerals in the common plant. We'll start from the bottom and go over just a few of the many ways to use the Dandelion.

Dandelion Roots:

The roots of the plant can be enjoyed fresh or

roasted. One of the most common ways to use the roots is in teas and coffees. To extract the nutrients from the Dandelion roots you will need to roast the whole root and then grind as you would a coffee bean or chop the fresh root into small pieces and make as you would any other tea. The liquid can then be served hot or chilled. For thousands of years Dandelion roots have been used in digestive aid, as well as a blood purifier. Can you say, Free Detox??

Dandelion Greens: The leaves of the Dandelion are best enjoyed in early spring before the plant ever flowers. This is the point when the leaves are at their sweetest. More mature leaves can still be used, however, they will be a little bitter. The leaves can be added to a salad for an extra earthy kick, or sautéed much like you would spinach. In fact, the taste can be somewhat compared to Popeye's favorite!

Dandelion Flowers:

There are many ways to enjoy the flower of the plant. They can be used in conjunction with other natural sugars and yeast to make a wine, or pressed into a juice. Perhaps the most common method of enjoying the flowers is to lightly batter them and fry them. The taste is comparable to a fried mushroom. Delicious!

The Plantain: (no, not that plantain..)

The Plantago Major. Another common "weed" found in your Alabama Lawn that packs as many or more nutrients into every bite than your common vegetables at the store! Much like the Dandelion, the plantain has been regarded as a lawn weed for centuries and has been thrown out with the trash. Plantains contain large quantities of beta-carotene, vitamin C, B vitamins, and Vitamin K. Maybe you'll think twice next time!

Plantain Leaves: The leaves of the plantain can be used as you would

any other green. The mature leaves are less bitter than those of the dandelion. When prepared as you would a collard or turnip green, you can typically achieve a similar texture and taste. When added to a salad the leaves are crisp and fresh, adding a touch that you just can't get from store bought lettuce!

Plantain Shoots/Seeds: The stems that come up vertically from the plant can be enjoyed when green and after they turn brown. The brown color forms when the seeds begin to appear. Take the stems and pan fry with your favorite oil, add a little salt and pepper, and you'll surely recognize the nutty/asparagus-like flavor. Notice, once the seeds form, the inner part of the stalks will be fibrous and tough. You will most likely want to eat the seeds from the outer layer and discard the rest of the stalk.

Wild Onion/Wild Garlic:

These are probably the easiest on the list to get over the shock factor of pulling a weed from the yard and bringing it into the kitchen. They look, smell, and taste almost identical to the store bought or home grown varieties, and can be used in exactly the same ways. Wild Onion and Garlic both belong to the same family as Lilies and Daffodils, if left

untouched they will produce stunning flowers. The simplest way to differentiate between the garlic and onion is the stalk. Garlic will have a more slender, round stalk that is hollow, while onions will have a larger, flat stalk. The bulbs have a similar look and feel, and the scent can even be somewhat hard to tell apart. The bulbs as well as the stalks of garlic can be used for thousands of different recipes. The same goes for garlic.

Purslane:

Purslane is very common to find thriving in your Birmingham Lawn, and chances are you've tossed out pounds of it throughout your life. In several parts of the world, purslane is sold as a vegetable, and rightly so! There are several major benefits to adding purslane to your diet! The entire plant is edible, however, young leaves are most commonly used. The leaves are crisp and hearty similar with a texture similar to watercress, and the taste is similar to a lemony-cucumber. Add the raw leaves to a salad or sandwich for an extra crisp, or toss them on top of a soup for some added nutrition. For a warm side item at dinner time, sauté the leaves with some wild onion and garlic and a hint of olive oil! Purslane is perhaps the most palatable wild plant available. There is no need to "doctor" this one up in any way and it doesn't take a seasoned foraging veteran to enjoy!

So, before you go plucking away at your "weeds" or calling us to get rid of them, be sure to try out some of these ideas in the kitchen!

Disclaimer: This is not meant to be an end-all be-all source for what plants are or are not edible in your yard. Please refer to other valuable resources available. I tried to supply you with information on plants that are typically easy to identify, however, as with any type of foraging, make sure you're 100% certain what you're eating before you do. I would suggest only gathering plants from your own yard where you know what fertilizers (or lack thereof) have been applied. If your lawn has not been treated using all natural and organic systems, please refrain from harvesting!