More “Weeds” to Add to my Inventory

I’m trying to do a better job of identifying the incredible array of “weeds” that come up in the yard and around the property every year. I put that in quotes because while they are commonly known as weeds, I believe that some of them, if their properties are known, could be helpful in ways that I think I must learn, for instance, medicinally. Herbs and plants are at the root of many known medicines and have been known to the tea industry for centuries. This could be a lengthy process, but I will try to cover the 1000 or so that present themselves here in time. Today’s plant has come up in the lawn amongst the new grass this spring, and since our mower is in for service, it had a chance to flower. It is identified by “Google Lens” as “Hairy Bittercress”. I guess the “cress” part indicates a relationship to “water-cress”. I found an interesting you-tube video here, that talks about hairy bittercress (Enjoy the pigs as well).

From this website: “Hairy Bittercress is a winter annual broadleaf weed and is a member of the Brassicaceae or mustard family. Other common names include Bittercress, Flick Weed, Hoary Bittercress, Lamb’s Cress, Land Cress, Shot Weed, and Springcress. The genus name, Cardamine, is Greek for “Kardamon,” and translated means “cress.” The species name, hirsuta, is Latin and means”hairy.” This is about the tiny hairs on its leaves and stems.”

The best way to use them is as an edible garnish or in salads. Bittercress has a peppery, cress-like flavour and is best eaten raw. It balances strong flavours well and can be used with sharp or sweet dressings too. However, a few years ago we created a hairy bittercress pesto.

Edibility and Culinary Use of Bittercress

The following is from the website: https://eattheplanet.org/bittercress-a-nationwide-herb/
The leaves and flower stalks can be eaten raw or cooked.  The root can be grated and used as a flavoring.  The flavor of this plant is similar to broccoli rabe but much milder. Take a look at this Spicy Bittercress Sautee Recipe.  Bittercress is an often overlooked wild edible, but the herby flavor can add some spice to any type of food.

From another site: https://www.wildwalks-southwest.co.uk/wild-food-hairy-bittercress/
Hairy bittercress is extoled for its health benefits: “It contains glucosinolates which are known to help remove carcinogens from the body. It also contains vitamin C, beta-carotene, and possibly lutein which is known to help reduce vision problems including cataracts.”

I may begin to incorporate hairy bittercress into our salads.

I also, some time back, bought this book from Nicole Apelian, a 57 day contestant on one of my favorite shows: “Alone” on the history channel. Contestants film themselves alone in some wilderness drop-off point, where they try to tough it out for as long as possible. She was medically tapped out because she has MS, but in her seeking of natural remedies, she put together this book called “The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies” (Amazon link to it there). This may be my spring/summer reading:

And finally, helpful links:
https://www.bookofremedies.org/shop/
https://homesteading.com/medicinal-weeds-part-2/
https://www.wildwalks-southwest.co.uk/wild-food-hairy-bittercress/