The Magic of Edible Weeds

One of the most exciting findings I came across while writing this book, was the possibility of feeding ourselves with edible weeds. This knowledge came through reading a book called “The Wild Wisdom of Weeds”, by Katrina Blair.

Katrina’s book focuses on thirteen weeds that are found all over the world. These weeds are special in how they contain immense nutrition for humans. These weeds are dandelion, mallow, purslane, plantain, thistle, amaranth, dock, mustard, grass, chickweed, clover, lambsquarter, and knotweed. They are not only an excellent source of nutrition but also contain multiple medical applications, and grow easily around the globe.

Katrina’s book shows that many of the solutions to hunger and sickness in this world, are right under our feet. She is convinced that these weeds ,which most people refer to as “obnoxious” and “invasive”, can be the key to achieve food security around the world.

These weeds contribute to the regeneration of the earth by making the soil more fertile. They are the perfect companion to the human species; growing everywhere human civilizations exists, from the hottest deserts to the Arctic Circle. Katrina believes these weeds have risen as a solution for the damage humans are causing. According to her theory, the more humans disturb the earth, and put our food supply at risk, the more these thirteen plants will proliferate. She refers to these thirteen weeds as “a survival plan for the ages. ”

Feeding on weeds might sound crazy at first, but it makes more sense when we realize how nutritious they are, and their ability to improve our soil. Lots of people are already eating some of these weeds, with dandelion being the most popular, as it is commonly sold in groceries stores.

Unknown to most, these weeds can also be turned into delicious recipes. Katrina’s book teaches us how to prepare these wild plants from root to seed, in soups, salads, slaws, crackers, pestos, seed breads, and seed butters; cereals, green powders, sauerkrauts and smoothies. This can be a great addition to any raw vegan and fruit based diet. These weeds grow in abundance, at incredible low costs, an contain high nutritional benefits.

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