posted 11 hours ago
Around here, the first things I notice are the Cleavers and Stinging Nettles.
I like the Cleavers fresh when the plants are small, though even the bigger ones are still nibble worthy.
I have a very short window with the Nettles before the aphids and tiny beetles take up residence on them - (not that they can't be shaken off or washed). I prefer pinching off the topmost part of new Nettles and crushing it between thumb and fingers to get rid of the stings and then I eat them raw directly. Steamed, Souped, or made into a mess-o-greens in the pan is good too.
I welcome Nettle stings as medicine too - I often intentionally get myself stung where I have sore muscles or the like for pain relief.
Lemon Balm is rather early here too, and I enjoy the fresh leaves for snacking.
Also overwintered Parsley, Kale, Mustard, Beetroots and such from the garden are at their prime for eating at this time (some years).
And I urge you to please notice when you are happy, and exclaim or murmur or think at some point, 'If this isn't nice, I don't know what is.'
-Kurt Vonnegut
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