Comfrey is a versatile native plant that can be harvested three to five times a year. Leaves, flowers and roots are used for medicinal purposes or to prepare food and drinks.
Comfrey flowers can be harvested from May
spring
In spring, comfrey has slightly hairy leaves with a wavy edge. The coarse veining on the leaf surface is typical. Although the crop has few healthy ingredients at this time, the fresh leaves are suitable for harvesting. They are tender and can be used in a variety of raw salads or processed into vegetables.
drying leaves
If you want to dry comfrey and use it later, don't wait too long to harvest. The foliage has the greatest content of valuable ingredients just before the flowers form. As soon as the first stalks emerge, the active ingredient concentration drops. The plant now puts its energy into the development of the flowers.
harvest flowers
Comfrey begins flowering in May. The flower buds are separated and cooked like vegetables. They go great with dandelion buds. When the plant is in full bloom, it adorns the landscape with bluish and violet hues. The petals are suitable as an edible decoration and adorn raw food plates or salads. So that the beauty does not fade, you should not wash the collected flowers.
summer
The plant continuously forms fresh shoots for collection. But over time, the leaves, which can be up to 60 centimeters long, become rougher and are no longer suitable for consumption. The foliage contains a list of health-promoting compounds such as potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and vitamins A, C, and B12. The protein content, which is not surpassed by any other plant, is remarkable.
Summer leaves are suitable:
- as a material for the production of manure for tomatoes and potatoes
- in withered form for mulching
- as a golden yellow textile dye when leaves are soaked in boiling water
fall
From September you can dig up and harvest the roots. Select vigorously growing specimens and only cut off enough of the rhizome to allow the plant to continue growing. They are suitable for consumption raw or cooked and provide a coffee substitute when dried and roasted.