Forums:

Sneaky edibles -What are the most beautiful edibles in your garden?

Ac Baker

pioneer

Posts: 255

I like...

posted 1 month ago

6
Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

Marianna Marinda wrote:definitely Rose of Sharon; I'm creating a rainbow of this!

I realise, what I grew up calling Rose of Sharon is Hypericum calycinum: https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/8994/hypericum-calycinum/details

This is not safe or good to eat!

But are you talking about Hibiscus syriacus: https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/40530/hibiscus-syriacus/details ?

--
"Whitewashed Hope: A Message from 10+ Indigenous Leaders and Organizations"
https://www.culturalsurvival.org/news/whitewashed-hope-message-10-indigenous-leaders-and-organizations

Jane Mulberry

master pollinator

Posts: 1106

Location: East of England/ Northeast Bulgaria

418

I like...

posted 1 month ago

2
Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

Hypericum calycinum isn't edible, but it does have medicinal uses.

I'm only 65! That's not to old to learn to be a permie, right?

Marianna Marinda

Posts: 48

Location: Central PA, gradually relocating to Central Upstate NY

I like...

posted 1 month ago

9
Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

I've noticed visual differences in the leaves, but my plants are not established enough to really make comparisons yet. When it comes to edibility, the very little bit of experience I have is that the texture of mature leaves is too tough to be desirable, so I'd stick to younger versions if anything. I don't have much experience at all with this yet though; I just know enough to place these in my orchard/edibles area to get familiar with as an edible option.

Nurturing a full spectrum of favorite ornamental and edible trees, shrubs, vines, perennials, and groundcovers all grown on their own roots...
All to better enjoy the profound beauty and wonder of nature. Check out my site at www.onmyownroots.com !

Jay Angler

master steward

Posts: 13817

Location: Pacific Wet Coast

8148

I like...

posted 1 month ago

12
Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

Marianna Marinda wrote:... When it comes to edibility, the very little bit of experience I have is that the texture of mature leaves is too tough to be desirable, so I'd stick to younger versions if anything...

I find that with leaves that aren't as commonly used as food in our culture, research is my friend. Often there's a time of year they're picked, or specific ways they're prepared that is important to know.

I noticed that I have a volunteer Amaranth in one of my planters the other day. I picked a bunch of the leaves to try, but first I sliced them fairly thinly, then I stir fried them with a couple more common foods, including some cooked new potatoes and green onions. It tasted great! I suspect if I'd simply boiled the leaves and served them by themselves, they wouldn't have gone over as well!

Visit Redhawk's soil series: https://permies.com/wiki/redhawk-soil
How permies.com works: https://permies.com/wiki/34193/permies-works-links-threads

oddball - sand badge (verified skill)
Skill verified by Mike Haasl

textiles - air badge (verified skill)
Skill verified by Mike Haasl

dimensional lumber woodworking - air badge (verified skill)
Skill verified by jordan barton

Food Prep and Preservation - air badge (verified skill)
Skill verified by Leigh Tate

greywater and willow feeders - air badge (verified skill)
Skill verified by Leigh Tate

Marianna Marinda

Posts: 48

Location: Central PA, gradually relocating to Central Upstate NY

I like...

posted 1 month ago

9
Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

My plants are not mature enough to make much comparison yet, sorry. I just got most of them in the ground this year, and they are small but establishing well at least. The most I have noticed about cultivar differences are all about flower color and some degree of leaf shape or variegation. But not enough info to really post about yet.

What I have noticed is that mature leaves are too tough to be desirable for eating, even if everything else about them would be ideal. Maybe the young leaves would be better? , or the flowers I haven't tried. I'm sure I got my info from Plants For a Future (PFAF), in case you want to check it out, and once they're big enough I might try a few experiments again.