Did you know that some weeds are
beneficial to us and our ecosystem? National Weed Appreciation Day is
observed on March 28 of each year, and it is a good day to learn more
about weeds and their benefits.
Humans have used weeds for food and
as herbs for much of recorded history. Some are edible and nutritious
while other weeds have medicinal value.
Do you remember as a small child the
fun you had with dandelions? Well, these bright yellow flowers serve a
purpose. Dandelions are a food source for insects and some birds.
Humans eat young dandelion leaves and enjoy tea and wine made from the
leaves and flower. The Native Americans used dandelions to treat
certain ailments. Nutritionally, dandelions contain a source of vitamin
A and C, calcium, iron and fiber.
There are also other edible and medicinal weeds, some of which include:
Yellow Dock/Burdock: The
taproot of young burdock plants can be harvested and eaten as a root
vegetable. Immature flower stalks may also be harvested in late spring
before flowers appear. The flavor of the young stalk resembles that of
an artichoke. It is a good source of dietary fiber and certain minerals,
including calcium and potassium. It is also used as a medicinal herb.
Lamb’s Quarter: (also known
as goosefoot) The leaves of lamb’s quarter are excellent added to
lettuce salads or cooked and used as a replacement for spinach. Lamb’s
quarter seeds are also edible. They are a good source of protein and
vitamin A.
Amaranth: (also known as
pigweed) Amaranth species are cultivated and consumed as a leaf
vegetable in many parts of the world. The leaves can be cooked, and its
seeds can be harvested and cooked the same as quinoa. The root of
mature amaranth is a popular vegetable. It is white and usually cooked
with tomatoes or tamarind gravy. It has a milky taste and is alkaline.
It is high in vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, K, B6,
calcium and iron, and the seeds are a good source of protein.
Purslane: It may be eaten
as a leaf vegetable, but is considered a weed in the United States. It
has a slightly sour and salty taste. The stems, leaves and flower buds
are all edible. Purslane may be used fresh as a salad, stir-fried or
cooked as spinach is, and because of its sticky quality, it also is
suitable for soups and stews. It is an excellent source of vitamins,
minerals and antioxidants and is high in omega-3 fatty acids. Purslane
can be found growing in all 50 states.
Dollarweed: (also known as
pennywort) is an aquatic plant that thrives in a wet, sandy habitat. It
is native to North America and parts of South America. It can also be
found growing as introduced species and sometimes a noxious weed on
other continents. It is an edible weed that can be used in salads or as a
potherb.
Before using any weed as a food
source, make sure it is correctly identified and that it is free of
herbicides and pesticides. Research the safe edible part of each weed
and find useful cooking and preparation tips.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Use #WeedAppreciationDay to post on social media.
HISTORY
Our research was unable to find the origin and the creator of National Weed Appreciation Day.
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