Pennywort multiplies so profusely that we could take a few sprouts at any time. The thought is not so far-fetched, because many edible treasures thrive in our gardens without being recognized. Does that include pennywort too?

Both flowers and leaves can be used in the kitchen

Toxic or edible?

Before any plant enters our kitchen, the question of edibility should be answered beyond a doubt. No, the pennywort, bot. Lysimachia nummularia, is not poisonous! And yes, pennywort is edible!

Flowers and leaves as cooking ingredients

The evergreen coinwort offers us tender leaves from spring until the first frost. During the flowering period from May to July, edible yellow flowers are added. The taste of pennywort is said to be similar to asparagus, but with a bitter note. Some also describe the aroma as slightly sour.

  • Leaves enrich salads
  • they come in herb butter or quark
  • also as an addition to cooked vegetables
  • pure on buttered bread
  • Flowers serve as an edible decoration

Pennywort as a medicinal plant

In this country, pennywort no longer plays a role as a medicinal plant. At the time of Hildegard von Bingen it was different. In Eastern Europe, on the other hand, the herb is still valued as a natural remedy for diarrhea and rheumatism.

The healthy effect is attributed to the silicic acid. Pennywort also contains flavonoids, tannins, saponins and mucilage.

Enjoying tea with pennywort

Mix the flowers and leaves of pennywort and prepare a tasty tea. Its aroma is said to be reminiscent of green tea. For one cup you need a tablespoon of fresh or dried pennywort. It has to steep for 5-10 minutes so that it can fully develop its ingredients.

recognize pennywort

Pennywort is not only cultivated specifically in balcony boxes or as ground cover by the pond. It can also be found in nature or as a wild plant in the garden. When searching, you can recognize it by its typical appearance:

  • about 5 cm growth height
  • up to 50 cm long, creeping shoots
  • numerous round, penny-sized leaves
  • single yellow flowers about 3 cm in diameter

tips

Always play it safe when looking for wild plants and take a well-illustrated identification book with you. Even if the confusion with grove loosestrife and with watercress is still light here, since both plants are also edible.

Category:

Vegetable garden