Wild Greens

[Theogirl]

We live in a northern city in Canada. Obviously there hasn't been much lately, but any suggestions on collecting wild greens once spring is here? What kinds? I've heard dandelions and nettles, but how to prepare them? I've heard of cooking nettles, but how do you deal with the prickles raw? I'm intrigued about the high nutritional content.

[rawbutterfly]

Green smoothies!! My kids were so excited about Spring finally arriving so we could go forage for weeds for our smoothies. Once a week, we take a hike and get enough greens for the week. This saves sooo much money too. I just need to come up with a better reason to tell people why we are picking bags and bags of weeds. Last year, I told "the truth", but got the wierdest comments and looks. One lady even mumbled something about calling CPS.

[Theogirl]

What kinds of things do you collect? Here we do have dandelions and chickweed once spring is underway...

[c'estlaviebelle]

I have heard of people doing this, but be careful that what you pick is edible and not poisonous. I was reading an article about a well known raw foodist who unfortunately died after blending up some raw weeds that turned out to be poisonous foxglove. So just make sure you know what you are doing or have someone to help you collect appropriate edibles.

Here is Sedef's story:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-schmich_bd10feb10,1,5558016.column

I'm not trying to be alarmist, but for many of us who were not raised outdoors, picking wild edibles is a risky prospect unless proper training is had.