7 Edible Weeds

1. YELLOW DOCK/BURDOCK
   The long dock taproot is used as a food and as a medicinal herb. It is a good source of dietary fiber and certain minerals, including calcium and potassium. While it was occasionally sold at small health food stores, dock has started appearing in mainstream groceries like Whole Foods, and it may be growing in your yard right now!
   
2. LAMB'S QUARTER
   The leaves of lamb's quarter, also known as goosefoot, have a pleasant nutty flavor and are excellent added fresh to lettuce salads, or cooked and used as a replacement for spinach. Being related to amaranth and quinoa, lamb's quarter seeds are also edible and a good source of protein, vitamin A and other vitamins and minerals.
   
3. DANDELION
   Everyone knows what a dandelion looks like, and that dandelion greens are sold as a high-end salad green at groceries and fine restaurants, but people do not often put the two together. Yes, this humble sidewalk-crack weed is edible. The leaves taste slightly bitter and are high in iron. Also, if you can gather enough dandelion flowers, recipes abound for dandelion wine.
   
4. NETTLES
   Nettles are often one of the least welcome garden weeds because of their sting. However, the leaves may be harvested, cooked, and used as you would use spinach. They are particularly good cooked in soup. The leaves can also be dried for preservation. Nettle provides vitamin C, protein and many minerals, including iron. Nettle can also be used as a vegetarian source of rennet for cheese-making.
   
5. AMARANTH
   Also known as pigweed when it grows as a weed, amaranth is in the same family as quinoa. It was historically one of the staple foods of the Incas and is high in vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, K, B6, and calcium and iron, and the seeds are a good source of protein. Its leaves can be cooked and its seeds can be harvested and cooked the same as quinoa. The mature root is also edible.
   
6. PLANTAIN
   Not to be confused with the banana, plantain the weed, like dandelions, are a humble sidewalk weed. There are broad and thin-leafed varieties. Their young leaves can be used fresh, and their mature leaves should be cooked. However, they are especially known for their medicinal healing qualities, for instance as a poultice on insect bites, rashes or cuts. They are said to have many healing qualities including helping with coughs and bronchitis.
   
7. PURSLANE
   Purslane is a succulent and its leaves, stems, and flowers can be eaten fresh or cooked and tastes like spinach. It is a good source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and is high in omega-3 fatty acids. It can be found growing in all 50 states.
   

Cordially,

Helen Pensanti M.D.