It’s interesting that some weeds grown in your backyard are edible. They offer more than just weeds (served as a garden décor or gardening tool). Some are additionally delicious and healthy for you. When you know that you can actually eat these weeds, you get the best uses of them. You can grow them in a corner of your yard, in a raised bed garden, or simply a container garden. These would make your vegetable crops more enjoyable and even amaze your family. Perfect!
In this post, we’re glad to share 8 edible weeds to grow in your backyard. If you are finding something “weird” to grow in your backyard, these are the way to go. To some people, they are simply weeds. These are missing out on a big opportunity. To some others, however, they are a great ingredient to add into vegetable dishes, from salad to stir fry. As a gardening lover, I get endless interest in knowing what’s best to grow in my garden. It’s a good way to make use of every corner of your garden, then harvest more with it. Ready to give these a look?
#1 Purslane
This weed is known for its spoon-shaped, fleshy leaves, reddish, succulent stems, and tiny yellow flowers. It’s loaded with nutrients and omega-3 fatty acids. The best way to enjoy it is to add tips of a young plant to a salad with feta cheese and olives. You can also steam or stir-fry the leaves, be sure not overcook or they’ll become slimy.
#2 Dandelion
This yellow flower plant is a good source of vitamins C, A, K, plus potassium. Pick young leaves (that stick up from the center and are light green) and add them to salads. Or, you can also pick the yellow flower, dip it in tempura batter, and fry.
#3 Sourgrass
You can find this native North American perennial plant in your backyard. Sourgrass has a lemony flavor, making them a fine choice for garnishing seafood dishes. You can also chop a few stems to add a citrus burst to ceviches.
#4 Chickweed
Chickweed’s taste is similar to parsley. This plant has oval-shaped leaves growing in pairs opposite each other on long stems that creep along the ground and star-like white petaled flowers.
#5 Sumac
You can find Sumac across the United States and Canada. Its brick-red fruit clusters in the shape of a cone is edible. They’re an an excellent antioxidant-rich tea. Here is how to enjoy it: dip a cluster of the fruit in hot water until it turns pinkish-red, then strain and add a squeeze of lemon. You can also dry sumac to use for tea throughout the year.
#6 Wild Mustard
Pick the pods after the plants have gone to seed to eat on their own or pickle them. You can also use its clustered, bright-yellow small flowers as garnishes.
#7 Galinsoga
You can find this weed in large fields, popping up as a nuisance among crops rather than in gardens. Pick just the tips (it’s OK if it already has tiny flower), add to stir fries or salads in moderation.
#8 Lambsquarters
These weeds are commonly found in fields and pastures, orchards, gardens, and even along the roadside. They contain a hefty dose of iron, protein, calcium, and B vitamins. Use the leaves as you would spinach.
