Ground elder - is it really edible?

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Ground elder - is it really edible?
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Annemieke

Joined: 26 Feb 2013
Posts: 131
Location: Somerset UK

Posted: Thu Mar 27, 14 7:35 pm Post subject: Ground elder - is it really edible?
Having at last found some young fresh ground elder, I could finally try out one of my ground elder recipes. Disgusting. Is it me? My stomach is not what it used to be. Hash anyone with a younger, stronger digestion tried it, and come to a different conclusion? I steamed them: first for just a minute, as instructed; then a while longer. Yuk both times.

oldish chris

Joined: 14 Jun 2006
Posts: 4148
Location: Comfortably Wet Southport

Posted: Thu Mar 27, 14 7:51 pm Post subject:
In theory, apparently so. Sure I read somewhere that the Romans introduced it to Britain 'cos they liked eating it. Seems that "edible" and "palatable" aren't synonyms.

Annemieke

Joined: 26 Feb 2013
Posts: 131
Location: Somerset UK

Posted: Thu Mar 27, 14 7:53 pm Post subject:
Actually, I found this before. Most nettle recipes I like though.

NorthernMonkeyGirl

Joined: 10 Apr 2011
Posts: 4637
Location: Peeping over your shoulder

Posted: Thu Mar 27, 14 7:54 pm Post subject:
The Romans also sloshed garum on everything

Annemieke

Joined: 26 Feb 2013
Posts: 131
Location: Somerset UK

Posted: Thu Mar 27, 14 7:57 pm Post subject:
(Looks up 'garum on her duck-duck-go = google replacement): yuk!

sean
Downsizer Moderator

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 42219
Location: North Devon

Posted: Thu Mar 27, 14 8:58 pm Post subject:
Downsizer article by cab

alice

Joined: 18 Feb 2006
Posts: 2820

Posted: Thu Mar 27, 14 9:09 pm Post subject:
IME, the best dressing for ground elder is eight inches of concrete.

VM

Joined: 23 Nov 2007
Posts: 1748
Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Thu Mar 27, 14 10:26 pm Post subject:

NorthernMonkeyGirl wrote:

The Romans also sloshed garum on everything

Yes, quite!

But a friend in Manchester used to cook ground elder and said she liked it. Can't remember what she did with it and have never eaten it myself.

Nettles on the other hand are ace.

Mistress Rose

Joined: 21 Jul 2011
Posts: 16080

Posted: Fri Mar 28, 14 7:42 am Post subject:
The smell is rather off putting, but I did try some raw and it wasn't too bad. Wondering if developing a taste for mixed nettle and ground elder soup might be the way forward for parts of my garden.

Annemieke

Joined: 26 Feb 2013
Posts: 131
Location: Somerset UK

Posted: Fri Mar 28, 14 8:29 am Post subject:
The butterflies etc like it, even if you don't!

dpack

Joined: 02 Jul 2005
Posts: 46313
Location: yes

Posted: Fri Mar 28, 14 10:54 am Post subject:
edible and yummy are not always found at the same time im not keen on ground elder which is edible burning hemlock root smells yummy and is not edible twice one cant always trust ones senses as to what is food rakfisk or durian for instance

oldish chris

Joined: 14 Jun 2006
Posts: 4148
Location: Comfortably Wet Southport

Posted: Fri Mar 28, 14 11:59 am Post subject:
I was expecting someone to point out that the Roman equivalent of Popeye the sailor used to eat an amphora full before going into battle! (Oculi Pop Nautae et Olivum Oleum)

bubble

Joined: 13 Apr 2008
Posts: 960

Posted: Fri Mar 28, 14 5:47 pm Post subject:
very good chance ............its not ....ground elder you may be using .If I am can get hold of .........young light coloured elder leaves I eat them raw sometimes cooked they are appettising delicious and very nourishing .......check it out...!!!!My cooking is eaten and enjoyed by Michelin one star chef..

bubble

Joined: 13 Apr 2008
Posts: 960

Posted: Fri Mar 28, 14 5:48 pm Post subject:
Please post a piccie if its possible,,,

gil
Downsizer Moderator

Joined: 08 Jun 2005
Posts: 18415

Posted: Fri Mar 28, 14 11:20 pm Post subject:
Better the younger it is - leaves still light green and glossy, and cooked - sauteed - not rAw (IMHO).

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