When the weeds start to grow then spring is nearly upon us. Looking at the Go Local Food fields, it’s maybe then that spring is due any day now. Not that we shall be including any of the edible weeds below in your crop share.
Docks – quite edible and in some areas dock pudding was eaten by past generations when the leaves were young. Often this is before the usual greens are ready outdoors (in older days, a lot of people didn’t have green houses and poly tunnels to keep them in greens over the winter).
Dandelions – good in salad when the leaves are young but not quite ready yet. They are know by a name that suggests they are a diuretic in some countries (they are). They are also one of the first nectar bearing flowers of the spring so helpful to early pollinators.
What did the Romans ever do for us? Well they introduced ground elder. And before everyone shudders at the thought of this invasive and difficult to remove weed, picked when very young and prepared right it can be quite pleasant. But it’s not something that Grow Local Food is likely to cultivate.
The first signs of stinging nettles are also showing in corners. When young the tips of the nettle plant is edible in things like soup. However, it’s a very sturdy spreader and if it gets into cropping areas it can be an awful problem as it takes over everything. However it is a good food source for butterflies such as the red admiral, peacock and small tortoiseshell so in out of the way areas, quite acceptable. Back in 2014, there was a Be Nice to Nettles week. Goodness me.
Go Local Food Ltd 