I may have mentioned before that B is the steward for a nature preserve in our area. It is a wooded area and the trees and wildflowers there are different from what grows on our property. One of the jobs of the steward is to try to control the invasive species on the preserve. We went out there on Sunday to pull dames rocket and garlic mustard that can crowd out the native plants.
Many of the spring wildflowers were in bloom.
Some areas were carpeted with large patches wild ginger and trillium.
We filled bags with the garlic mustard plants because if they are left on the ground they will continue to make seeds.
The day seemed even more worthwhile because garlic mustard is edible.Yesterday, we made pesto from one big bag of the weeds. It was quite good and we were able to freeze enough for five more nights. After tasting the fresh leaves I thought the pesto would be strong but on the pasta it had a stronger smell than taste.
I feel like we have gotten a two for one deal here. We helped free the native wild plants from an invasive weed and have gotten some good, nutritious mustard greens for us to eat.
I promise to have a non forage food post tomorrow!
