If you think everything in your yard that isn't grass must be a nuisance, you're missing out—on a free lunch. Those pesky weeds invading your lush green patch of paradise are actually valuable foods, loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and protein, sometimes even more nutritious than what you'll find at the grocery-store.
Here are 6 such edible backyard weeds
1.Chickweed.
This garden weed is a great source of Vitamins-A, C and D, as well as iron, calcium, potassium, phosphorus and zinc! Chickweed has a delicate flavor, much like spinach, and works well when freshly picked and added to sandwiches and salads. If you don’t like the taste, you can still reap the benefits by hiding it in soups and stews. Medicinally, chickweed can be used as a topical treatment for minor cuts, burns, eczema and rashes. It’s also a mild diuretic and is said to relieve cystitis and irritable-bladder-symptoms.
2.Dandelion.
Probably the most well-known of all weeds. The great news is that there’s probably a ton of this nutritious weed in your backyard. Dandelion has been used throughout history to treat everything from liver problems and kidney disease to heartburn and appendicitis. Every part of this common weed is edible, from the roots to the blossoms. Use the leaves in sandwiches and stir-fries. The Roots can be made into a herbal-tea, or roasted and ground as a coffee substitute. The sweet flower heads will add color to salads and can be used to make wines.
3.Chicory.
This light blue flower lives as a wild roadside plant. Despite its somewhat bitter taste, chicory leaves are commonly consumed in certain parts of Europe, including Italy and Greece. Try boiling the leaves first before sautéing or adding to dishes as that will remove some of the bitterness. Chicory is well known for its toxicity to internal-parasites and can also be used as a tonic to stimulate appetite, act as a diuretic, cure an upset stomach and help with constipation.
4.Curly Dock.
Curly dock is one of the hardiest and most widespread weeds, so you should have no trouble finding a source. The leaves are high in beta-carotene, Vitamin-C, and zinc ensuring good-immunity, and the seeds are rich in calcium and fiber. The stems of the curly-dock can be peeled and eaten either cooked or raw, and the mature seeds can be roasted to make an earthy, warm-drink.
5.Common Mallow.
Unlike its name suggests, the flavor of this plant is nothing like marshmallow. Tea made from common mallow root forms a gelatinous mixture, which is soothing for the digestive and genitourinary tracts.
6.Lamb’s Quarters.
This rapidly growing summer weed produces black-seeds which are related to the protein-rich superfood quinoa. Much like their cousin, you can enjoy the young shoots and leaves of the plant. Whether raw or sautéed, they make a great replacement for spinach and are just as nutritious. Other edible weeds include purslane, clover, plantain and wild-Amaranth. Which Weeds Have You Got in backyard? Be sure to Share it in the comments below.
NOTE: The materials and the information contained on Natural ways channel are provided for general and educational purposes only and do not constitute any legal, medical or other professional advice on any subject matter. None of the information on our videos is a substitute for a diagnosis and treatment by your health professional. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new diet or treatment and with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provide.
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