Friday, April 18, 2014
Lawn treats
9:04 PM | 
Posted by
Kaplan Center for Health and Wellness
By: Mary Oleksowicz, MSTOM , L.Ac
- Arugula
- Radicchio
- Collards
- Kale
- Endive
- Escarole
- Spinach
- Parsley
- Watercress
- Red or green mustard greens
I enjoy
harvesting spring greens not only from my garden but from my lawn and backyard
as well . LAWN ?!?! That’s right I said
lawn. Many spring greens are considered weeds by most. However they can be
harvested from pesticide and herbicide free areas with little effort. Examples
of these would include:
- Nettles
- Dandelion greens
- Sorrel
While traditionally,
many of these plants would be harvested in late March or early April, the long
winter that much of the United States has encountered has delayed the growing
season.
Harvesting
nettles is the most difficult of the greens listed here. You would need sturdy
leather gloves as the plant tends to “sting” when touched with bare hands.
You would also need scissors and protective clothing
on as nettles grow in areas that may have dense weeds. Nettles are rich in vitamin C, flavonoids, and histamine all of which are
helpful components in assisting the body during the spring allergy season. Look
for tender young plants, put on your gloves, and cut off only the upper leaves
(no larger than about 3” wide).Check the undersides of the leaves for absence of white spittle and cut the leaves
from the stems as you go. Plants should be no higher than your knees in order
to be young enough to harvest. One
shopping bag full is often enough for a soup or lasagna base.
Dandelions are much easier to harvest. The
entire plant is edible but in the spring the tender basal rosettes provide the
cleansing benefits we associate with spring greens without the bitterness of
older leaves. Roots if harvested can
also be roasted and used as tea. I enjoy the tender leaves sautéed with garlic
and olive oil or placed into salad mix to contrast the natural sweetness of
other greens.
One
of my favorite “lawn” treats is common wood sorrel. Many people would refer to
the common wood sorrel as a “shamrock”. Eating these plants increases vitamin C
Historically,
it was used to treat scurvy, fevers, and sore throats. There are no
poisonous look-alikes. Clover is often mistaken for wood sorrel but
clover is not poisonous. So this is a great starter plant to forage for those
who are not brave of heart. The addition
of dandelion, sorrel and even clover can
definitely add a wonderful twist to your salad this weekend.
Harvesting dandelions
and sorrel can be a wonderful family activity and adds an interesting
conversation to the dinner table. I hope that the weather is nice enough this
weekend, so you and your loved ones can enjoy harvesting fresh spring greens
together!!
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