A plant is considered an infestation when it is too invasive . When it invades garden paths, it is immediately removed because it is wrongly considered useless. However, some of these weeds have particularly amazing properties and are even edible . In this article you will discover the 3 most useful weeds .
Dandelion
Also known as “dandelion”, dandelion is one of the most common plants in gardens. Found in lawns, fields and especially garden paths, this weed has a reputation for being invasive. For this reason it is considered a weed.
Yet few know the virtues of this herb. Dandelion is full of nutritional benefits that it would be a shame to do without. Its leaves contain beta-carotene and vitamins B6, B9 and C. They are also rich in antioxidants, minerals and trace elements.
If you want to eat dandelion greens, harvest the young shoots before the flowering period. They are perfect for a salad with olive oil, salt and pepper . You can also eat the flower buds by pan frying them or preserving them in vinegar. As for the roots, they can be roasted in the oven and ground into a coffee substitute.
Large plantain
The large plantain or Plantago major is found in paths and at the foot of walls . It is a plant that resists everything and is very invasive. However, this plant is one of the beneficial weeds . Its young leaves contain vitamins (A, C, K) and minerals (calcium, phosphorus, iron, etc.). The larger, more mature leaves are also edible but are distinguished by their bitter taste.
Purslane
Purslane is one of the most classic garden weeds . It is distinguished by its fleshy leaves and creeping stems . You can find this plant on sidewalks, driveways, or even in yards. You should know that purslane is a beneficial plant thanks to its trace elements such as potassium, magnesium, calcium or phosphorus. Its leaves are also known for their high content of vitamins B2, B3 and C. Don’t forget that it is rich in omega-3.
To this end, you no longer have to remove the purslane from the garden, but prepare the stems, leaves and flowers as a salad . They can also be cooked in a pan.