Oxeye Daisy
I kind of hesitate to include this plant. It is little more than a tasty herb in small amounts… not really a nutritional food. Gather the tender spring leaves and toss them into most anything for flavor. It does have some medicinal value, but mostly we eat this in small amounts, just enough to perk up a dish with their unique flavor. To my taste, the spicy effect is somewhat like Yarrow. A few leaves would make an excellent example to the noodle dish above – it is somewhat like the edible chrysanthemum sometimes used in certain Asian dishes. The flavor is a little strong and bitter for many people's taste, so it would be best to experiment by adding just a little at a time until you get used to it and I would not use much if serving someone who is unfamiliar with the flavor.
Pepper Grass
Pepper Grass, and the closely related Field Cress (both are Lepidium species) is a much under-utilized plant. Medicinally, these herbs may have adaptogenic properties and increase testosterone in men. That has been shown in the Lepidiums that grow at high elevations, but I doubt much study if any has been done on the more common “weeds”. The tender greens and shoots of these plants may be prepared as a potherb or eaten raw. But, the real value in this plant in culinary terms is in the seeds. The seeds, as the name implies, taste like black pepper! These days, most folks take black pepper for granted. In ancient Rome, pepper was one of the most expensive and valued of all spices and they would go to great lengths to ensure the trade routes that imported it. Pepper is both medicinal and enhances the flavor of food. Of course, it is also peppery. If anything were to happen that could disrupt supply chains in modern America, as we experienced during the COVID pandemic, black pepper could be sorely missed. So, whether you just want to enjoy a wide array of wild foods, or you are preparing for times of scarcity, Pepper Grass is an important plant to learn to identify and use.
I think that Pepper Grass works best in marinades and sauces, and speaking of ancient Rome, here is one that includes several of the flavors that were popular and written about by the classic writer, Apicius. Combine Pepper Grass, a small amount of rue (but only if you are not pregnant as rue can be dangerous), and really any other green herbs you like, such as oregano, mint, marjoram, parsley, lovage, etc. Mix into olive oil. Add some wine and honey and a spoonful of fish sauce. Of course, the ancient Romans used a fish sauce called garum, but Asian fish sauces are similar. Just use enough fish sauce to make the sauce salty enough for your taste. If you don't like fish sauce, leave it out but add salt and maybe a dash of Worcestershire or soy sauce. An anchovy or two would also be a nice option – just mash it up into the sauce if that is something you like. The flavor is very assertive, but you will find it a good accompaniment to grilled pork and chicken. In ancient Rome, meat was often boiled and the sauce would be added to the boiling water and also used at the table. I like to add some crushed garlic and hot chili pepper to the sauce but that is not traditional, especially since hot peppers were not known to ancient Rome. They did, however, use a lot of black pepper and long pepper, as well as hot spices such as ginger, cinnamon and cloves. Such hot spices would often be added to such a sauce. Cumin fennel, and coriander were also widely used. But, as always, that is up to your taste. A sauce like this is also a good way to experiment with such strong herbs as Yarrow, Ox Eye Daisy or Fireweed.
This article is an excerpt from
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Disclaimer
The information on this site is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease or condition. Nothing on this site has been evaluated or approved by the FDA. I am not a doctor. The US government does not recognize the practice of herbal medicine and their is no governing body regulating herbalists. Therefore, I’m just a guy who studies herbs. I am not offering any advice. I won’t even claim that anything I write is accurate or true! I can tell you what herbs have “traditionally been used for.” I can tell you my own experience and if I believe an herb helped me. I cannot, nor would I tell you to do the same. If you use any herb I, or anyone else, mentions you are treating yourself. You take full responsibility for your health. Humans are individuals and no two are identical. What works for me may not work for you. You may have an allergy, sensitivity or underlying condition that no one else shares and you don’t even know about. Be careful with your health. By continuing to read my blog you agree to be responsible for yourself, do your own research, make your own choices and not to blame me for anything, ever.
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