We all need our greens.
Two greens of the many you can use that are free are dandelion and sow thistle. They are common throughout the world, particularly in the temperate zones. These two are high in vitamins A and C, iron, as well as the usual goodies. Both have been used for centuries. Captain Cook kept his sailors free of scurvy with sow thistle. The use of dandelion is so refined we even have dandelion coffee made from the roots.
You can generally find dandelion and sow thistle on any vacant land or lot. Another place to look is near the roadside or at the side of walking tracks. Once you know what you are looking for, you will find them in all manner of places.
However, before you go running off for free food, please keep in the mind the following:
- Check what you are looking for on the net or at the local library. These two are really easy to identify but just make sure you have a good image of what you are searching for.
- Use your common sense to make sure you are not taking plants from areas that have been sprayed by the local councilor authority. I would also not take plants from next to a main road just because of the pollutants coming from cars.
A few tricks and tips:
- Start slowly. Add some dandelion leaves or sow thistle leaves to your salad as an extender before going on to a larger solo use.
- Use the younger smaller leaves. With sow thistle, use the leaves at the tips or use the younger whole plants.
- If you are unsure about eating the plant because of a preconceived notion that you can't eat something you don't buy from the shops (and in certain parts of the world you can buy these plants at the shops), add them to casseroles or soups and in the making of stocks.
- If you don't like them, don't forget your chooks. They will devour them, as will rabbits and guinea pigs.
- Read about them. You will be amazed what you will find on the net as far as recipes for these delicious little wonders. There may be other local names for them. For example in New Zealand, sow thistle is known also as Puha by the indigenous Maori. Puha and pork bones is a tasty, nutritious meal, which would also rate well in the “ Great meals on a budget” stakes.
There is a warning. Do not tell too many people about them or you might find you are suddenly having to pay for them!
