Red Clover
Photo © Flickr user John_Poulakis
Edible Parts: flowers
When to Harvest: Late spring through summer
Uses: Add raw to salads. Steep for tea. Toss in soups.
Recipes:
- Prodigalgardens.info: Red Clover Recipes
Stinging Nettle
Photo © Flickr user pawpaw67
Edible Parts: Young stems and leaves (after boiling)
When to Harvest: Spring
Uses: Leaves must be boiled to destroy stinging hairs. Use in soups, pasta dishes or other cooked dishes. Steep for tea.
Recipes:
Wild Violet
Photo © Flickr user Retromoderns
Edible Parts: Flowers and leaves
When to Harvest: Spring
Uses: Add to salads. Use atop baked goods as decoration.
Recipes:
Weed Harvesting Guidelines
1. Only harvest weeds that you can positively identify and know to be edible. The Complete Guide to Edible Wild Plants, by the Department of the Army is a good reference, if you aren't sure.
2. Avoid picking weeds close to roadways. They'll have absorbed exhaust fumes and road run off.
3. Avoid harvesting weeds in areas that may have been contaminated by animal feces.
4. Do not pick weeds from yards that have been treated with pesticides or herbicides.
5. Only eat the parts of plants that you know to be edible. Many edible plants have non-edible – and sometimes poisonous – parts.
