Many people are aware that several flowers such as nasturtiums are edible and can be added to salads to provide flavor and color, but it is less well known that there are many weeds that can also be eaten. This article which I found on the Balcony Garden Web site describes sixteen weeds which are edible and some also have medicinal properties.

In the spring and summer, or whenever the favorable weather arrives, the sun and the warmth bring?the irresistible desire to grow plants and beautiful?flowers. We love to see their dazzling colors that cover up the green meadows and love to look again and again? how they shine under the sun in the garden. But with all of these, comes the unexpected surprises, a few unwanted plants ?the weeds?.
But do you know that many tasty and healthy edible plants can be found among the common weeds? Wild edible weeds can turn an ordinary dish into an exquisite dish. They also have many medicinal properties. Some of these weeds are low in calories, contain a lot of vitamins, minerals, trace elements, protein, and fiber.

Which parts of edible weeds?are the best to eat?

The nutritional value of the plants depends on the vegetation period, so you should find out what is the best?time to begin harvesting. For some weeds, flowers are harvested when they are still in buds and for others, the best time is immediately after development. Depending on the species, you can cut the whole inflorescence, pluck individual flowers or just tear the petals.
Leaves are tastiest and healthiest when they are?young and tender?although they are not suitable for?long-term storage. Roots should be harvested when the plant is dormant,?in the spring or autumn.

Go to the next page to see descriptions of the best edible weeds.
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