Cooking with wild herbs
Cooking with wild herbs
cooking with wild herbs
Wild herbs are not only beautiful to look at, but can also be a delicious and healthy addition to our meals. They often contain a variety of nutrients and thus enrich our diet. In this article you will learn more about cooking with wild herbs and how you can use them to give your dishes a unique taste and a healthy touch.
The variety of wild herbs
The term “wild herbs” means plants that grow wildly in nature and are not targeted. Wild herbs include a wide range of different plants, such as: nettle, giersch, dandelion, wild garlic, Gundermann and many more. Each of these herbs has its own specific properties and uses in the kitchen.
collecting wild herbs
Before you can use wild herbs in the kitchen, you must of course first collect them. It is important that you collect the herbs in a place where there are no pollution or pollutants. Unaffected natural areas are ideal, far from streets or agricultural use. When collecting, make sure not to overexert the plants and only pick as much as you actually need. Damage to the natural environment should be avoided.
Health advantages of wild herbs
Wild herbs are known for their health benefits. They often contain a high amount of vitamins, minerals and secondary plant substances. These can strengthen the immune defense, have an anti -inflammatory effect and boost the metabolism.
An example of a healthy plant is the dandelion. This contains a lot of vitamin C, potassium and calcium. The bitter substances in the dandelion can stimulate digestion and help with problems with the liver or bile. Another known wild Herb classic is the wild garlic. It contains a high amount of antioxidants and sulfur -containing compounds that can be detoxifying and can reduce blood pressure.
cooking with wild herbs
Wild herbs can be used in a variety of ways in the kitchen. They can be served as a side dish to various dishes to give them a special flavor. Wild herbs can also be used in soups, stews or salads.
A simple way to use wild herbs in the kitchen is the production of pestos or spreads. For a wild herb pesto you only need a handful of fresh herbs, nuts, parmesan, olive oil and garlic. All ingredients are pureed in the mixer and you already have an aromatic paste that is ideal for pasta, vegetables or as a spread.
recipe ideas with wild herbs
-Wild herbal salad: Mix different wild herbs such as dandelion, greed and chicks with a light vinaigrette made of lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper. Optionally, you can add some pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
-wild garlic risotto: Use wild garlic instead of the classic basil to give your risotto an aromatic note. Simply chop the wild garlic and mix the risotto shortly before the end of the cooking time.
-nettle soup: nettles can be used in many dishes, but the nettle soup is a popular option. For this purpose, the fresh nettles are washed, cut small and cooked with onions, garlic and vegetable broth. The soup is then pureed and seasoned with salt, pepper and nutmeg.
Security when collecting and using wild herbs
When collecting and using wild herbs, it is important to consider some safety instructions. Not all wild herbs are edible and some can even be poisonous. It is therefore advisable to inform yourself in detail before collecting or to take advantage of the help of an experienced herbal expert.
You should also make sure that the herbs did not come into contact with pesticides or other chemicals. Careful washing and cleaning of the plants is therefore essential.
FAZIT
Wild herbs are not only delicious, but also healthy and enrich our diet with many valuable nutrients. They can be used in the kitchen in different ways and give the dishes a special grade. However, caution is required when collecting and using wild herbs, since not all plants are edible. Find out more thoroughly beforehand or get advice from an expert. With a little caution, however, you can enjoy the wonderful aromas of the wild herbs and contribute to a balanced and healthy diet.