CHENNAI: If you keep a track of the time you spend in your garden, you’ll observe that you spend a considerable amount of it weeding. But many of us may fail to understand how nutritious and useful many of these weeds could be, often better than the parent plant itself.
Rosie Harding, a lover of greens from Goa does not believe in weeds. “I don’t believe in the word weeds. Every plant has an important function and we just need to find it.” There are numerous edible and medicinal weeds but caution must be taken to identify them correctly.
Here are a few weeds that are good for you and your garden:
Amaranth
One of the most common weeds found in Indian gardens, it is a rich source of protein and minerals. The young leaves are softer and tastier but the older leaves can be used as a substitute for spinach. Amaranth leaves have to boiled in water before consumption because of the high level of oxalic acid present in the leaves.
Broad leaf Plantain
Also known as the ‘White man’s footprint’, it is widely found in the areas of European settlements. It is loaded with iron. The shoots of a broad leaf plantain, when green and tender can be eaten. The taste comes out best when lightly pan-fried with olive oil. It is also used to treat chronic diarrhea as well as digestive tract disorders. Dried leaves of plantain can also be used to make tea.
Dandelion
It is one the most beneficial weeds found in gardens as the entire crop is edible and the leaves are equivalent to vitamin pills containing an abundance of vitamin A, C and K. It also contains calcium, iron, manganese and potassium. The leaves are the tastiest when young and can be used in soups in great abundance. The bright open flower heads can be eaten when lightly fried.
Dollar Weed
This hard to kill ‘lawn pest’ is actually edible. The large flat circular leaves have a flavour similar to cucumber. They have to be washed carefully when grown in standing water.
Tip: The ones treated with pesticides should not be eaten.
Stinging Nettle
It is a popular medicinal weed that grows quite tall. They're rich in vitamins A, B2, C, D and K. Delicious dips, teas, soups and pesto can be made from these plants. It cannot be eaten raw. It is used to treat painful muscles and joints, eczema, arthritis, gout and anemia.
Caution: When collecting nettle, always cover up exposed skin and wear gloves as the leaf contains formic acid that can burn the skin.
Chickweed
It grows in disturbed soil indicating low fertility. It is a great source of Vitamin A, D and C as well as iron, calcium, phosphorus and zinc. The delicate flavour of its leaves tastes good when freshly picked and added to sandwiches and salad. It also has medicinal properties that can treat minor cuts, burns, eczema and rashes. It also benefits the soil if it is left to grow and dry on it’s own.