Surprisingly enough Sping gives you a whole new grocery to explore.It/s a breeze to visit and it;s fun to walk through .Where is it Your Front and back yards// There are so many local plants to try .These make for interesting salads.
Before you go vront and back yard foraging there are a few cautions to follow.DON"T eat anything you've sprayed with pesticides. Make sure everything I s"clean", that is chemical free.Use guide books or Apps like INaturalist to make sure what you;re picking isn;t toxic or harmful.Also think about local contamination.Are they a lot of dogs and cats in your area? They may use your Yard as their private bathroom, Life on a busy street means a lot for exhaust that can settle on plants. Think twice then about picking from the front area. The back may be a safer - and cleaner choice.Also good thing to remember is that your neightbor property is just that their property. Don;t go into their yards with a basket ,(unless you have their permission) to pick plants. Another point to consider is that if you go into the woods remember that there are also non poisonous and poisonous plants existing together. Be extra careful with what you choose. Again the INaturalist app will come in easy here. Critters abound in your neighboring woods too.I;ts the start of copperhead season if you;re in New Jersey.. Be on the lookout for bears , cougars raccoons and mountain lions. The woods are their property really, not yours.
What kind of plants should you pick. Think dandelions. These are carpeting lawns right now with bright yellow flours. These can be plucked, rinsed offed and then batter dipped. Air fry or fry in butter or olive oil for crunchy ,fun bites. They taste like popcorn and are a great with a dip. Don;t forget the dandelion greens.These make for a tasty ,nutrient rich salad.Choose younger leaves because they;re sweeter tasting and have a more tender texture. They may still be a tad butter but this can be solved by making a less acidic dressing. Just go light on the lemon juice or vinegar.These are great with a hot bacon salad, that has crispy bacon and sliced hard boiled eggs.You can also try them in a simple Mediteranean salad or on e loaded with yummy walnuts.Nettles actually make for good salads too. Add chickpeas for protein and dress with a za' atar laced dressing for a spicy side perfect with lamb or chicken. A forager's salad with all these greens from your back and front yards. Toss in some grilled chicken or tuna for protein along with hard boiled eggs. Think of it as a rustic salad Nicoise , especially with the addition of tomatoes (which will come from your curated garden in a few months.
Your Yard is your grocery store. Look at the green that you have an d use them. They are not only free but delicious and good for you.
Posts
