People have died from eating all parts of Hemlock water dropwort! Is it Hemlock or Cow Parsley? Hemlock water dropwort is a member of the Apiaceae (Carrot) family. Which contains some very toxic plants. It is considered the most toxic plant growing in Britain. It contains a powerful neurotoxin called oenanthetoxin, which triggers spasmodic convulsions, … Read more
A short video explaining how to use the flower stems as food. Few people use the flower stems, but it is most probably the tastiest and mildest part to eat. Species used in the video: Smyrnium olusatrum
In this video, Marcie Mayer takes your around her oak farm in Greece and shows you behind-the-scenes how acorns are being used as food. Acorns are a gluten-free, high nutrient food source we need to pay attention to, especially in an era of climate change. As food security becomes more and more fragile, they could … Read more
The use of acorns go back into the mists of time. An ancient food that unfortunately these days is sorely neglected. Marcie Mayer is an extraordinary acorn pioneer and has devoted her life to harvesting, processing and researching acorns. As a superfood, acorns meet many of our food challenges in the 21st century. However, even … Read more
Further reading: The Edible Seaweeds of Britain and Ireland In the past Dulse (Palmaria palmata) was rolled and dried pulse was chewed like tobacco. Traditionally dulse was harvested after it had been washed three times in the May floods. In folk medicine, dulse was used to treat parasitical infections, relieve constipation and treat scurvy. In … Read more
Carpobrotus edulis has a good, balanced nutritional profile. The succulent leaves are a strong antioxidant. They can be pickled but can be astringent if harvested incorrectly. The juice is antiseptic. Hottentot fig has been shown to have anti-neuronflammatory properties, and may add to the improvement of cognitive functions. The fruit has a sourish taste. Eaten … Read more
The leaves of Broadleaf Plantain are an amazing wound herb. Rubbed on parts of the body stung by insects, nettles, etc., or as an application to burns and scalds, the leaves give relief and will stop the bleeding of minor wounds. The fresh leaves are applied externally whole or bruised in the form of a poultice. The … Read more
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) grows everywhere, in the grass, in meadows, pastures, and by the roadside. The whole plant, stems, leaves and flowers, collected in the wild state, in August, when in flower. It is diaphoretic, astringent, tonic, stimulant and a mild aromatic. Yarrow tea is a good remedy for severe colds, useful at the beginning of fevers. … Read more
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