Edible Weeds

When we think of weeds, its mostly harmful for us. We do picturize weeds on the basis of its increased competitive behavior in crop field, its impact on nutrient loading which increases competition for yield in crops.

But it might be quite interesting when we picturize these weeds on the basis of the importance. There is also a evidence that some of the weeds are used for edible purposes and some of them do have also huge medicinal values.

Stinging neetle is also regarded as a weed and is most dominated in hills. It is used for culinary purpose and is consumed mostly in Nepal, China, Vietnam, Japan, Korea and many other Asian countries. It is used as a source of vitamin e, used for controlling high blood pressure, blood mobilization and also aids in digestion but it is not recommended for consumption by patients with low blood pressure.

Amaranth is another most diverse and almost found all over the world. It has high adaptability to extreme climatic conditions and can also survive for a long time passing through dormant phases. It is used as a leafy vegetables and also has a good potentiality for its use as a medicinal plant.

Other weeds with their edible evidences are: Chickweed, Dandelion, Mallow, purslane, wood sorrel, lambs quarter, Epazote, Violet

Picture: facebook page (agriculture today)