Your garden probably has a number of plants in it that can provide great nutritional benefit, yet how many of us actually know what to look for? Did you know that some of those weeds are actually great for salads?
While you need to be careful not to pick plants that you are unsure of, and avoid those that may have pesticides or other substances on them (own a dog or cat?), there are 5 plants that are very easy to identify.
Live Science published an article showing 5 very easily identified plants that are not just edible, but great sources of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.
The five plants are:
- Dandelions – eat the whole plant. Leaves contain vitamin A, C & K, calcium, iron, manganese and potassium.
- Puslane – Stems, leaves & flowers are edible. It is the best plant for omega-3 fatty acids.
- Lamb’s quarters (goosefoot) – leaves and younger stems. Contains vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium and magnesium.
- Plantain – Pick young, tender leaves. Packed with iron.
- Stinging nettles – contain lots of minerals, including iodine, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, silica and sulfur. They also contain more protein than most plants.
To see pictures of these plants to help identification and some serving suggestions, see the Live Science website.