Martha's In the Weeds

In the introduction to Barbara Kingsolver's wonderful book Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, Kingsolver declares that unlike some recent authors on eating local (the authors she was referring to are Alisa Smith and J.B. Mackinnon of the equally enjoyable book Plenty) she would not allow herself to fall so low as to feed her children dandelions from ditches. Well, to that I say, if Martha Stewart can do it, so can we all (well maybe not from ditches).

Yes, Martha has a wonderful article on edible weeds, including a nice edible weed identification photo and lots of recipes. Some of these "weeds" were available at local Richmond Farmer's Markets last summer. Some plants we now consider weeds were originally grown for food and medicinal uses. The dandelion was actually introduced to America by the early English settlers who grew it in their gardens. I would of course suggest that you know for sure what it is you are picking and that you harvest only from your own garden or the garden of a friend who knows the history of chemicals used for turf, etc. Or, just buy these healthful and satisfying additions to available greens from your local market.