Burdock and ?

[motdaugrnds]

David discovered this plant behind the barn and it is already blooming. Could this be Burdock?



This was discovered blooming mid-May. Any ideas as to what it is?



These next two plants were found at the old shack. They have not bloomed yet. David is thinking these are Burdock. Can anyone confirm this?

[hoggie]

First one - mallow

Second one - speedwell

Third one - yes, looks like burdock

[motdaugrnds]

Thanks Hoggie. I will research "mallow" and "speedwell" and see what we can do with those plants.

Wow we actually have a couple of Burdock plants? David will be so pleased. He has studied herbal meds and a few years ago was looking for some Burdock seed; but he couldn't find any. Now he can get all he wants.

[Tiempo]

Yep the first mallow is often called 'cheeses' for some reason.

[hoggie]

- The seeds are referred to as "cheeses" (if I recall correctly because of their shape) and are edible. I have never eaten them but apparently they taste slightly nutty - they are only small though so it takes a few to make a snack

The leaves can be cooked and eaten like spinach. Or they can be made into a soup. They are quite gloopy I believe.

You have to wash them well and make sure there are no insect eggs on the underside of the leaves.

[motdaugrnds]

I found an interesting recipe for mallow, rice and carrot. Thought I'ld share it.

Ingredients:
(serves 2-3)
a bunch of mallow
1 onion, peeled and diced
1-2 carrots, peeled and chopped
1/4 cup of rice, washed and drained
1/2 cup of water
2 tbs tomato paste
2 tbs olive oil
salt,pepper to taste

1)Transfer the mallows in a bowl full of water, add some vinegar so that you can easily clean the muds. Pick out the yellow leaves if there are any. Leave them for about 10 minutes, then wash, drain and chop the leaves.(You may want to discard the stems which are thick and don't seem to be very fresh)
2)Sauté the onion in olive oil for a few minutes.
3)Add the carrots and saute them for about 10 minutes. Then add the paste and stir the mixture.
4)Add the chopped mallows, rice, salt, pepper and water.
5)Cover and cook on low heat until the rice is tender enough.