Some of the healthiest foods grow in our own yards as weeds that plant themselves. These foods are not only healthy for us, they are healthy for the planet. Eating locally can’t get any closer than our own back yard and carbon emissions are at a minimum or zero when all that is needed is to step outside.

The easiest foods to grow are those that grow themselves. We mistakenly call some of these plants weeds, but they are actually nutritious edibles. Dandelions (taraxacum officinale), chickweed (stellaria media), purslane (portulaca oleracea), wild garlic (allium vineale), wood sorrel (oxalis floride) , plantain (plantago major) and violets (viola odorata) are common edible weeds that grow in our climate.

These overlooked treasures often grow in garden beds, but can be found growing in many parts of the landscape. These green leafy plants are high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Many were brought to this country by settlers who know these plants are highly nutritious and many of them also have beneficial medicinal properties.

Cool season edible weeds are some of the first greens to appear. Chickweed can grow even in the winter. It has a mild flavor that can be added to salads or soups and sautéed. Wild garlic has long thin edible leaves. Dig up the bulb for a miniature onion like treat. Dandelions start growing a little later. The early green leaves are mild and can be eaten raw, in soups or sautéed. The yellow blossoms are used in dandelion jelly and wine. Wood sorrel first appears in late spring and early summer. It has a clover leaf and flowers are usually yellow. It has a strong lemon taste that makes mouths pucker, and can be used in salads, soup and even made into pesto.

As summer warms the soil other edible weeds grow in profusion. Purslane is a highly nutritious edible that is one of the few plants high in omega 3s. It can be eaten raw or cooked. Plantain grows low to the ground. Its young leaves are tender and can be used in salads and as a spinach substitute. It can also be made into a tea to drink or used as a skin remedy for rashes and insect bites.

To harvest these plants, positively identify each plant. Do a google search to see and identify the leaf and flower. If the entire yard and gardens are organically grown, these weeds can be harvested from any space. Otherwise only harvest those that have been grown in areas without any toxic chemical use. And if you fall in love with these wild edible, next year you may want to buy seeds of these plants and grow more of them in your garden.