05/02/2024
((Sorry for the long post but this is important. Invasive plant info ahead!!))
Have you ever heard of Garlic Mustard, otherwise known as Alliaria Petiolata (botanical/latin name)? It's a type of wild mustard green, introduced to Northern America in the 1800's for medicinal uses and erosion control, before it became an invasive species!! Okay, we know invasive species are bad. BUT! Luckily, this invasive plant is quite palatable when blanched or sautéed as an addition to your favorite vegetables! Garlic mustard greens are very nutritious as they have substantial amounts of vitamins A, C, E and some of the B vitamins. In addition, this wild w**d contains potassium, calcium, magnesium, selenium, copper, iron and manganese as well as omega-3 fatty acids. Once you identify it, it's impossible to miss! All parts of the plant are edible, including the flower once the plant goes to seed. Also, there's no need to worry about foraging ethics. Feel free to pull this invasive guy up by the roots. This plant is very easy to identify. When you break the stem or crush a leaf, it emits a delicious, garlicky aroma. We hope you can use this information to make a yummy addition to your favorite meal! Feel free to use our foraged meal for inspiration. What you see here is edamame beans and the garlic mustard greens cooked together in butter, and sautéed butternut squash, garnished with the mustard green flowers. Now go get out there and help your favorite foraging area by pulling up some yummy invasive plants!!
Happy foraging!! 🌿🍄
- Wapsi Outlaws
INFO SOURCES:https://www.iowadnr.gov/portals/idnr/uploads/forestry/garlicmustard.pdf
https://www.ediblewildfood.com/blog/2012/04/eating-garlic-mustard-is-a-win-win/
