Giersch - also known as forest parsley. Some only know it as an annoying weed. Others know that the young leaves are not only edible but also extremely tasty. Therefore, it is worth seeking and collecting them. But how do you recognize the leaves of goutweed?
Ground elder leaves are edible raw and can also be boiled as a healthy tea
External characteristics of the leaves
The leaves, which are both basal and on the bare stem, are colored blue-green to green. This makes them look inconspicuous in the midst of other green plants. But on closer inspection, it becomes clear that they are designed quite distinctively.
The leaves are arranged in an alternate arrangement. They are divided into petiole and leaf blade. The stems of the leaves can grow up to 20 cm long. The leaf blade is threefold. The individual feathers are also divided into three. This is how the leaflets look in detail:
- tapered towards the end
- ovate-elongated in shape
- sawn at the edge
- heavily hairy underneath
- bald on top
You can eat the leaves!
You don't have to be a wild herb fan to like goutweed. Anyone with a spark of culinary thirst for knowledge will be able to enjoy the Giersch. This wild herb is edible and even healthy. Whether for simple dishes or for healing purposes in oil or dried and brewed as a tea - the choice is yours!
Use the young and the older leaves
The leaves, which are strongly fragrant when crushed, are best picked before flowering begins. When freshly sprouted (towards the end of March/beginning of April) they taste pleasantly aromatic and spicy. The young leaves of goutweed are suitable, for example, for salads, spinach, smoothies and for juice for die-hards.
The older leaves, which in summer can reach an enormous size compared to the young leaves, are suitable for drying. But they can also be used to conjure up delicious soups and vegetable dishes. Among others, you can use them to flavor potato dishes.
tips
Ground grass leaves are a complimentary and more nutritious replacement for parsley in the kitchen.