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Weeds you can Eat

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Most of our common weeds contain more nutrients than our garden crops. This chart shows the comparison levels of nutrients. Details of each weed follows. Those that have links will take you to a more in depth look at each one.

nutrient chart


burdock Burdock
Artium minus

Burdock is now grown by many farmers and can be found in your natural food stores. The strain usually grown for sale is Gobo Burdock. This is not a nice smelling plant but when cooked it tastes similar to celery. It is well known for its cancer prevention properties. It is included in Essiac's formula and Hoxsey formula. Please go here for these recipes. Burdock
Gather the leaf stalks in early spring and summer. The root is gathered in its first year as well before it goes to seed in its 2 nd year. Can be eaten raw, root grated but tastes best cooked. Steamed, boiled or stir-fried.

Evening Primrose
Oenothera biennis

Evening Primrose grows wild throughout a large part of the country. The seeds contain gamma-linolenic acid. They are also rich in tryptophan, another amino acid. Medicinally the seeds have been used to prevent prementrual syndrome, promote healthy skin, allergic eczema, lower blood pressure and restore the red blood cell mobility in multiple sclerosis.
Seeds can be gathered from late August onward. Use a mortar and pestle to grind the seeds and then add to muffins, granola, soups stews etc. Roots are gathered in late fall, taste similar to a radish and can be eaten raw or cooked. The Blackfoot tribe boiled the leaf and stem and dried the roots for winter use. The roots or tops boiled in honey make a soothing cough syrup.
evening primrose

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