Plantain is a highly nutritious wild edible, that is high in calcium and vitamins A, C, and K. The young, tender leaves can be eaten raw, and the older, stringier leaves can be boiled in stews and eaten. The seeds are also edible. However, ingesting large quantities can cause a drop in blood pressure.
Are all plantain edible?
There are over 200 species of plantain within the genus Plantago, and, as far as I know, all are edible.
How do you cook wild plantains?
Heat a nonstick skillet with butter or olive oil, add the plantain leaves and toss them with minced garlic, shallots or other aromatics until they just begin to wilt. Season with salt and pepper and dig in. Sautéd plantain leaves can be cooked up as a simple side dish with minimal time or labor.
What can you do with wild plantain?
Plantain has long been considered by herbalists to be a useful remedy for cough , wounds , inflamed skin or dermatitis, and insect bites. Bruised or crushed leaves have been applied topically to treat insect bites and stings, eczema , and small wounds or cuts.
Is broadleaf plantain safe to eat?
The broadleaf plantain weeds that you find in your yard can be eaten entirely, but the young leaves are the tastiest. Use these raw in any way you would spinach, such as in salads and sandwiches. You can also use the older leaves raw, but they tend to be more bitter and stringy.
How do you harvest wild plantains?
Plantain is easy to harvest — just pull leaves by their stems from the plant. If you capture the stem along with the leaf, it makes it easier to hang and dry. Otherwise, you can just pull off leaves. Don’t forget the seed heads, since they are also known to have medicinal value.
Does plantain draw out venom?
Plantain can draw out the poison, so for stings and bites, make a poultice of fresh plantain leaf. You can enhance the drawing power by mixing plantain with a little water and activated charcoal or bentonite clay to form a paste.
Is broadleaf plantain good for you?
Apart from its antimicrobial and antioxidant attributes, broadleaf plantain has been documented to possess anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties. It also has been shown to boost the immune system and to help treat ulcers, diarrhea and fatigue.
How can you tell broadleaf plantain?
Distinguishing Features
Broadleaf plantain has green, oval to egg-shaped leaves that grow in a rosette. These leaves have thick stems that meet at a base. When these stems are broken, they reveal string-like veins that resemble those in celery.
Does plantain draw out infection?
It can draw out and close up pus and infection from dirty wounds and soothes irritated membranes. Plantain is also helpful in bronchial infections and pneumonia.
What are the side effects of plantain?
Most healthy adults can safely eat plantain weed’s leaves either raw or cooked. However, plantain supplements may cause mild symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, and skin reactions.
Does plantain cure poison ivy?
Plantain provides relief to dermatitis, poison ivy and other skin conditions because of its ability to draw out toxins and soothe and reduce inflammation.
Why is plantain called white man’s foot?
Plantain does particularly well in compacted or disturbed soils and can survive repeated trampling. Native Americans called it “white man’s footprint” because it appeared and thrived in disturbed areas around European settlements. Its roots work to break up hardpan soil and can help stop erosion.
Can you eat black seed plantain?
The Yard Plantain’s young leaves can be eaten raw, but larger leaves get tough and stringy so they are better when cooked. The roots and seeds can also be eaten, usually cooked, but I like eating the seed stalks raw. The seeds can be removed from the stalks easily and cooked whole for a starchy meal.
Can dogs eat wild plantain?
Plantain is a source of dietary fiber, vitamins A, C, B6 and magnesium and potassium. It’s safe for your dog to eat the plantain fruit but it needs to be cooked. You can cook it the same way as potatoes. To help retain the most nutrients, steaming plantain is best.
Does plantain have any poisonous look alikes?
Plantain has very few natural look-alikes, and the plants that do resemble Plantago are all non-toxic. Yet another reason why plantain is such a beginner-friendly plant! Hostas, which are sometimes called plantain lilies, are similar in appearance and their leaves and shoots can also be eaten.
Can you eat American plantain?
Plantain’s Nutritional Benefits
Plantain is edible. According to herbalists and authors Combs and McIntyre, it’s a good source of bioavailable zinc, calcium, and beta-carotene. The plant can be eaten raw or cooked and used dried or fresh.
What are the two types of plantain?
Two groups of plantains are thought to have a common origin: the horn plantain and the French plantain. Both types grow in India, Africa, Egypt, and tropical America. The French plantains also occur in Indonesia and the islands of the Pacific.
How do you make wild plantain tea?
Place one heaping teaspoon of crumbled dried leaves or one to two fresh leaves in a mug. Cover with boiling water and infuse for ten minutes. Strain and drink, adding a little honey for sweetness, if desired. Drink a mug of plantain tea three times per day to help clear out colds and soothe digestion.
Do deer like plantains?
Another weed deer love is plantain. Plantain is high in protein and one of the highest mineral containing forages. Giant ragweed is also a staple of many deer’s diets in the summer.
Does plantain work for mosquito bites?
Broadleaf plantain (Plantago major) can be used to make an salve that takes the itch off of mosquito bites.
Gerardo Gonzalez loves cooking. He became interested in it at a young age, and has been honing his skills ever since. He enjoys experimenting with new recipes, and is always looking for ways to improve his technique.
Gerardo’s friends and family are the lucky beneficiaries of his delicious cooking. They always enjoy trying out his latest creations, and often give him feedback on how he can make them even better. Gerardo takes their input to heart, and uses it to continue refining his culinary skills.