Wild Edible Greens to Grow or Gather

In former times, wild greens were not looked down upon as weeds, but instead were gathered up as potherbs for good eating and health. In the Old World and in early America, wild greens gathered from woodlots, pasturelands and meadows were an important part of the daily diet. But when 19th-century industrialization shifted eating habits toward beef, white bread and processed foods, attitudes toward plants like chickweed and dandelion changed. These wild potherbs, once relished even by the wealthy, became branded as poverty food.

The truth is, edible wild plants still are treasure troves of good flavor and health. You simply need to know when to gather them and how to prepare them to bring out their best qualities.


Read more: http://www.herbcompanion.com/Cooking/Wake-Up-Call.aspx#ixzz1kZlwSGuO

Thanks for sharing this Sonshine.

Great post. My grandmother used to gather and cook "polk greens". They are stronger tasting than collard or turnip greens, but they grow wild and are very healthy. (notice how I avoided the word tastey )

I actually like poke salat. To me they taste more like a wild spinach. There's a funny story about poke salat. Joe grew up in MA in the suburbs. We were both in the Air Force when we met stationed in TX. The first time he met my parents my Dad went into the back yard and picked some poke salat and cooked it for our supper. After visiting with my parents we went to visit his parents who now live in Fl. He told them my Dad picked some weeds and cooked them up for supper. (nice way to impress my new in-laws) LOL It's no wonder his Mom didn't like me much at first.

I have also made some dandelion syrup. The neighbor kids loved it!