I've covered the cleaned & washed roots with apple cider vinegar to make a flavored vinegar. I use a small glass jar with a non-metallic lid (the acid in the vinegar corrodes metal) and place it in a cool darkish place. After they've sat in the vinegar for at least 4 weeks, I strain out the roots & am left with an unusual condiment with a horseradishy flavor. Good luck with your experiments.
Thanks Blanche, I'll have to try the pesto. I like the roots as well and would like to try my hand at making a horseradish sauce. I've used it sparingly in salads and the bitterness does add a nice touch, plus it seems to be good for settling an upset stomach. Take care, Roosevelt
I knew that garlic mustard is edible, but never heard or saw such a detailed explanation on what part of this plant to eat and how. Thank you! Now, I know what to do with the plant if it returns to my yard again (I cleared my yard off it this spring).
This is a tough plant to get rid of-- so there's no problem if you overharvest them! Thanks for your positive feedback on my Black locust & Goutweed videos.
I have already gone ahead and juiced it... a nice strong flavour. The garlic mustard green-are literally interwoven into parts of the lawn. The trouble with this year-at least here in eastern Canada has been a really slow growing season for the regular garden greens, not so with both garlic mustard and dandelions. it can be expensive buying organic greens every day, the "weeds" make a nice supplement. I can't wait to try the pesto.
I'm so glad I found this video! I wanted to email you today to ask you about garlic mustard, but your email didn't work. I was in one of your walks last spring. There is garlic mustard everywhere! It was the first thing to come up this spring. I was just confused because it's not tall yet like it was last year when I learned about it from you. Thank you! This video cleared up my confusion.
It should be in NC as its range is from the eastern states to parts of the midwest & down to Georgia, Alabama & Louisiana. I bet if you contacted your local extension service, they might inform you of where a "garlic mustard pull" is happening & then you can see firsthand what it looks like.Or try a local nature center--they may be able to point out specimens and probably will allow you pick some. Good luck... Thanks for your compliment on the video --Blanche
It's taste IS strong, so often I add other greens along with it in salads. For variety, when I make pesto, I might mix it with other greens--it's fun to experiment!
I have a love hate relationship with Garlic mustard Blanche. It's very useful, but is taking over all my hunting spots, I can't pick enough to keep up with it. But, the thing I like most is being able to find it in winter when very few other greens are available, it's a nice treat then. You make some great wild edible videos. Have you found any ways to reduce the bitterness of the leaves? Thanks, Roosevelt
This was a plant that I couldn't warm up to until I tried it in pesto form. I first found a recipe for it, (which I modified somewhat) on of all places, Ranger Rick's website. I figured if he recommended it, I'd better try it ! Most likely it'll return to your yard as it's invasive & hard to eradicate.
Hello Blanche! Cool ! I have seen the seed pods and seeds n dry form, I found them fascinating , might have seen when green, now that I know what the leaves look like (and no way can I not save this video, will always have identification at hand) I’ve never smelled horseradish, but the leaves will help! I didn’t know there were morel lookalikes, I’m glad I saw this video, I have yet to find one, can’t wait till I do! Thank u
How far south does this plant grow? I live in NC, and I don't recall ever seeing this plant. But, as with a lot of other plants, sometimes I don't notice things until they are pointed out, or I'm actively searching for them! Great video, thanks a lot for the info.
Hi, Blanch, I want to farm it. My idea is to just plant and farm all the types of "weeds" that are actually edible nutritious and amrketable. Garlic mustard, burdock, dandelions, and tons of others
Haha that's interesting, here in Central Europe it's the goldenrod (from your contintent), that is is seen less wanted and is spreading all over, whereas the garlic mustard seems rather a tamed and even seldom one. :) Maybe nature has some plan, which makes it a necessity to grow here or there less or more. Thank you, great overview! Love
Yes garlic mustard originated in Europe & so probably had some predators that kept it in check but here in the US it doesn't . We have lots of Goldenrods but they aren't a problem...
I agree with you completely. Some people get so emotional about invasives & overlook the fact that nature is always changing--it is not static--plants come & go. Let's see what these so-called "aliens" can offer us; many of them were brought over from Europet to use as medicinals/edibles. Some, like Japanese knotweed have potential as medicines ( it has resveratrol & is part of the protocol for lyme disease.) So instead of calling them evil, let's see how they can help us!
I see that the garlic mustard leaves are very similar to 'common mallow' with the exception of them growing on the ground exclusively, without tall stems...that I've seen, that is. Do you have information on the common mallow and how eatable it is? I did see one lady in here that actually created marshmallow from common mallow. Thanks muchly for any input. :) BTW, great and very informative video.
All species of Mustard are edible, but some are better tasting than others.If you're sure you've correctly identified it as a member of the Mustard family, then you can safely try it. Some mustards do have yellow flowers-- and all mustard flowers have 4 petals.
sure enough, it's in the backyard, and yes I just sampled it. Yummy, I am going to make pesto tomorrow and then juice the crap out of it till snow time.
I always thought this plant was too bitter. Then I realized that if I mix it with milder plants in salads & use vinegar & oil as a dressing it's flavor is somewhat tamed.Plus if leaves are finely chopped , they oxidize & lose some pungency . Plus combining them with a fat reduces the bitterness & enhances their taste. That's why the pesto tastes good--there's oil, cheese & fatty nuts in it. It's super aggressive-a REAL problem-but if more people eat it then maybe it can be controlled!
Look at any balanced eco system, most healthy eco systems in our country are balanced because they have minimum to no human activity in them for a period of time. These plants could have more important qualities than we are aware of. I wouldn't be surprised if they we're phytoremediatiors as they tend to grow in disturbed areas. I went out to a meadow of those flowers recently, it was beautiful.
Is that black nightshade ("Solanum nigrum?) Common names can be attached to different plants. If it is, check out my YT video on its edible berries:ua-cam.com/video/u7ijgvlRqPE/v-deo.html. Might as well eat its black berries
In my opinion however, everything in nature quickly adapts, and a new successful species, must inevitably make the overall ecosystem stronger. Of course it will crowd out a ton of plants, but there will also be plants that make it.
my advice is DON"T plant it because it's VERY invasive! There are plenty of these plants growing just about everywhere that you can get. This aggressive plant can crowd out other plants in your garden plus it may spread to your neighbor's gardens.
--Your smoothie sounds yummie! Where in Massachusetts are you from? I used to live in the Boston, then Acton areas & am now in Northampton. If you're ever out this way, check out some of my (usually ) free weed walks. My schedule is on my website--just google my name :Blanche Derby & it should come up. And thanks for your compliment...
Just be careful! A few years ago, some biologists from Boston University wanted to see how quickly Garlic Mustard spread so they planted 4 plants in a special plot & 4 years later they ended up with 6000! Depending on what state you livein, there may be rules against planting invasives. If you do plant it, make sure it doesn't completely overrun the other weeds...
I believe that a plant that secretes toxins to other plants, is actually still a valuable part of the ecosystem. Bottom line is that the plant that grows is the best plant for the environment period.
You can buy dandelion seeds online that have a longer season for the greens before they go to flower. Garlic mustard, on the other hand, I would not plant. The chemical they secrete makes it hard for other plants to grow, and they don't support good bacteria in the soil. I was at a foraging talk the other night and a woman said that garlic mustard is a bio-accumulator. I have not been able to find any claims about this online. Don't know how she came to think that.
If I had the choice between planting something almost fully edible that seeds itself and requires no maintenence versus something a high maintenence ornamental plant that drains time and energy, I'll take the so-called weed 10/10 times!
It's taste IS strong, so often I add other greens along with it in salads. For variety, when I make pesto, I might mix it with other greens--it's fun to experiment!
i love your videos blanch, please continue to post!
Very nice video. Very informative -- well done! We have tons of this plant growing nearby.
Thanx for the compliment... It takes me a long time to shoot/edit since I'm a one woman videographer so please be patient!
I've covered the cleaned & washed roots with apple cider vinegar to make a flavored vinegar. I use a small glass jar with a non-metallic lid (the acid in the vinegar corrodes metal) and place it in a cool darkish place. After they've sat in the vinegar for at least 4 weeks, I strain out the roots & am left with an unusual condiment with a horseradishy flavor. Good luck with your experiments.
Thanks Blanche, I'll have to try the pesto. I like the roots as well and would like to try my hand at making a horseradish sauce. I've used it sparingly in salads and the bitterness does add a nice touch, plus it seems to be good for settling an upset stomach.
Take care, Roosevelt
I knew that garlic mustard is edible, but never heard or saw such a detailed explanation on what part of this plant to eat and how. Thank you! Now, I know what to do with the plant if it returns to my yard again (I cleared my yard off it this spring).
excellent video , very interesting .
This is a tough plant to get rid of-- so there's no problem if you overharvest them!
Thanks for your positive feedback on my Black locust & Goutweed videos.
Always find your video very informative and inspiring ;)
I have already gone ahead and juiced it... a nice strong flavour. The garlic mustard green-are literally interwoven into parts of the lawn. The trouble with this year-at least here in eastern Canada has been a really slow growing season for the regular garden greens, not so with both garlic mustard and dandelions. it can be expensive buying organic greens every day, the "weeds" make a nice supplement. I can't wait to try the pesto.
I'm so glad I found this video! I wanted to email you today to ask you about garlic mustard, but your email didn't work. I was in one of your walks last spring. There is garlic mustard everywhere! It was the first thing to come up this spring. I was just confused because it's not tall yet like it was last year when I learned about it from you. Thank you! This video cleared up my confusion.
Thank you so much for your encouragement !
It should be in NC as its range is from the eastern states to parts of the midwest & down to Georgia, Alabama & Louisiana. I bet if you contacted your local extension service, they might inform you of where a "garlic mustard pull" is happening & then you can see firsthand what it looks like.Or try a local nature center--they may be able to point out specimens and probably will allow you pick some. Good luck...
Thanks for your compliment on the video
--Blanche
It's taste IS strong, so often I add other greens along with it in salads. For variety, when I make pesto, I might mix it with other greens--it's fun to experiment!
I have a love hate relationship with Garlic mustard Blanche. It's very useful, but is taking over all my hunting spots, I can't pick enough to keep up with it. But, the thing I like most is being able to find it in winter when very few other greens are available, it's a nice treat then. You make some great wild edible videos.
Have you found any ways to reduce the bitterness of the leaves?
Thanks,
Roosevelt
Thanks for the compliment. Since this plant is so prolific, we might as well find ways to use it!
Thanks! I try to make my vids informative so that folks can easily id & use the plants I talk about.--Blanche.
This was a plant that I couldn't warm up to until I tried it in pesto form. I first found a recipe for it, (which I modified somewhat) on of all places, Ranger Rick's website. I figured if he recommended it, I'd better try it !
Most likely it'll return to your yard as it's invasive & hard to eradicate.
Good point!--never thought about it that way!
Hello Blanche! Cool ! I have seen the seed pods and seeds n dry form, I found them fascinating , might have seen when green, now that I know what the leaves look like (and no way can I not save this video, will always have identification at hand) I’ve never smelled horseradish, but the leaves will help! I didn’t know there were morel lookalikes, I’m glad I saw this video, I have yet to find one, can’t wait till I do! Thank u
The leaves have a distinct strong smell-a good way to id it!
Morels are special 'shrooms but proper id is essential. Never eat them raw!
There's certainly plenty of it! for everyone!
How far south does this plant grow? I live in NC, and I don't recall ever seeing this plant. But, as with a lot of other plants, sometimes I don't notice things until they are pointed out, or I'm actively searching for them! Great video, thanks a lot for the info.
Hi, Blanch,
I want to farm it. My idea is to just plant and farm all the types of "weeds" that are actually edible nutritious and amrketable. Garlic mustard, burdock, dandelions, and tons of others
Haha that's interesting, here in Central Europe it's the goldenrod (from your contintent), that is is seen less wanted and is spreading all over, whereas the garlic mustard seems rather a tamed and even seldom one. :) Maybe nature has some plan, which makes it a necessity to grow here or there less or more. Thank you, great overview! Love
Yes garlic mustard originated in Europe & so probably had some predators that kept it in check but here in the US it doesn't . We have lots of Goldenrods but they aren't a problem...
I agree with you completely. Some people get so emotional about invasives & overlook the fact that nature is always changing--it is not static--plants come & go. Let's see what these so-called "aliens" can offer us; many of them were brought over from Europet to use as medicinals/edibles. Some, like Japanese knotweed have potential as medicines ( it has resveratrol & is part of the protocol for lyme disease.) So instead of calling them evil, let's see how they can help us!
I see that the garlic mustard leaves are very similar to 'common mallow' with the exception of them growing on the ground exclusively, without tall stems...that I've seen, that is. Do you have information on the common mallow and how eatable it is? I did see one lady in here that actually created marshmallow from common mallow. Thanks muchly for any input. :) BTW, great and very informative video.
Thank you for the info :)
Is this info true for all wild mustards? Theres one that grows all over by me, but it has yellow flower.
All species of Mustard are edible, but some are better tasting than others.If you're sure you've correctly identified it as a member of the Mustard family, then you can safely try it. Some mustards do have yellow flowers-- and all mustard flowers have 4 petals.
sure enough, it's in the backyard, and yes I just sampled it. Yummy, I am going to make pesto tomorrow and then juice the crap out of it till snow time.
I always thought this plant was too bitter. Then I realized that if I mix it with milder plants in salads & use vinegar & oil as a dressing it's flavor is somewhat tamed.Plus if leaves are finely chopped , they oxidize & lose some pungency . Plus combining them with a fat reduces the bitterness & enhances their taste. That's why the pesto tastes good--there's oil, cheese & fatty nuts in it. It's super aggressive-a REAL problem-but if more people eat it then maybe it can be controlled!
This was the first cultivated plant... they have found traces of this in pottery that date to Mesopotamia
Amazing!
Im gona plant this
Look at any balanced eco system, most healthy eco systems in our country are balanced because they have minimum to no human activity in them for a period of time.
These plants could have more important qualities than we are aware of. I wouldn't be surprised if they we're phytoremediatiors as they tend to grow in disturbed areas.
I went out to a meadow of those flowers recently, it was beautiful.
LOL if you want an invasive murderer, that's European nightshade
Is that black nightshade ("Solanum nigrum?) Common names can be attached to different plants. If it is, check out my YT video on its edible berries:ua-cam.com/video/u7ijgvlRqPE/v-deo.html. Might as well eat its black berries
In my opinion however, everything in nature quickly adapts, and a new successful species, must inevitably make the overall ecosystem stronger. Of course it will crowd out a ton of plants, but there will also be plants that make it.
my advice is DON"T plant it because it's VERY invasive! There are plenty of these plants growing just about everywhere that you can get. This aggressive plant can crowd out other plants in your garden plus it may spread to your neighbor's gardens.
--Your smoothie sounds yummie! Where in Massachusetts are you from? I used to live in the Boston, then Acton areas & am now in Northampton. If you're ever out this way, check out some of my (usually ) free weed walks. My schedule is on my website--just google my name :Blanche Derby & it should come up. And thanks for your compliment...
I agree fully
it's always good to have someone agree with me...thanks
Just be careful! A few years ago, some biologists from Boston University wanted to see how quickly Garlic Mustard spread so they planted 4 plants in a special plot & 4 years later they ended up with 6000! Depending on what state you livein, there may be rules against planting invasives. If you do plant it, make sure it doesn't completely overrun the other weeds...
I believe that a plant that secretes toxins to other plants, is actually still a valuable part of the ecosystem. Bottom line is that the plant that grows is the best plant for the environment period.
You can buy dandelion seeds online that have a longer season for the greens before they go to flower. Garlic mustard, on the other hand, I would not plant. The chemical they secrete makes it hard for other plants to grow, and they don't support good bacteria in the soil. I was at a foraging talk the other night and a woman said that garlic mustard is a bio-accumulator. I have not been able to find any claims about this online. Don't know how she came to think that.
There is no such thing as weeds. Calling a plant a weed is plant Racism.
Raven Fire Hello Raven! I like what u said, I’ll have to remember it...plant Racism! It’s funny to! Have a wonderful day
If I had the choice between planting something almost fully edible that seeds itself and requires no maintenence versus something a high maintenence ornamental plant that drains time and energy, I'll take the so-called weed 10/10 times!
It's taste IS strong, so often I add other greens along with it in salads. For variety, when I make pesto, I might mix it with other greens--it's fun to experiment!