Spot the Superfood: IDing Garlic Mustard Wild Edibles

Garlic Mustard (Alliara petiolata) is a wild edible that is both delicious and nutritious. It is a member of the mustard family and is easily identifiable by its characteristic leaves and white flowers. Knowing how to identify Garlic Mustard is essential for foraging this wild edible, as it does not have any toxic look-alikes.

The leaves of Garlic Mustard are the most distinctive feature of the plant. They come in three variations: rounded, slightly rounded and pointy, and triangular with pointed teeth along the margins. The flowers are white and are typical of the mustard family in that they have four petals.

Garlic Mustard is a spring wild edible that can be found growing almost anywhere. It is important to note that it can take over native wildflowers, so it is important to remove it from the environment to protect other wild edibles.

To harvest Garlic Mustard, simply pluck the leaves off the stem. The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, and the flowers can be used as a garnish. Garlic Mustard has a mild garlic flavor and can be used in salads, sandwiches, soups, and more. It is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and iron.

Now that you know how to identify Garlic Mustard, you can forage this delicious and nutritious wild edible with confidence. With its mild garlic flavor and abundance of vitamins and minerals, Garlic Mustard is a great addition to any meal.