Story: Edible Weeds
Episode: 5
Presenter: Trevor Cochrane
Air Date: 12th September 2020

There are many plants growing in our gardens that we consider weeds which are absolutely delicious.

• A good example is a weed called portulaca which grows in the summer months. Portulaca is edible and is one of the highest sources of Omega 3 fatty acids on the planet.
• Wood sorrel or soursob originates from South Africa and grows in the spring. The flowers, flower stems and leaves are edible and have a sour lemony flavour.
• Wood sorrel is rich in a natural plant compound called Oxalic acid which binds with minerals in the gut and expels them before they can be absorbed.
• Another common weed this time of year is mallow. Mallow pops up at the beginning of winter and flowers in mid-spring.
• The leaves, stems and roots of Mallow are edible. The leaves make a great substitute for spinach, the flowers can be added to salads and the roots and stems can be used as a natural thickener for soups.
• Chickweed has a grassy sweet flavour and great source vitamin C and antioxidants.
• Chickweed helps to relieve respiratory tract infections and also congestion.