Need a weed?

Weeds are often thought of as undesirable, but some of them happen to be superfoods, packed with nutrients we all benefit from.

Before you start nibbling the grass, it is hugely important that you that you identify what it is that you are eating.
The rules for enjoying wild edibles responsibly are:
If you don’t know what it is, don’t eat it. Learn to identify plants that are edible and get to know those that are poisonous. Some plants are okay in small quantities but too much of them can cause problems. Try books, the internet, a local garden club, or an ID app such as The Aotearoa Species Classifier App to research what you are eating.

Plants can change when they flower so learn how to recognise the different stages in their life cycles.
Ensure your plants have not been sprayed or contaminated.

Sample new edibles in small amounts to start with. If no adverse effects, after a decent interval try a little more.
Avoid mushrooms unless you can absolutely identify them.

Some of the nutritious edibles include alpine strawberry, bittercress, borage, chicory, chickweed, red and white clover, comfrey, dandelion, dock, elderberry, fennel, nasturtium, oxalis, plantain, sea kale, sheep’s sorrel, sow thistle, milk thistle or puha, stinging nettle, violet, winter cress, and yarrow.