Burdock & Thistle

[spoonman]

Hi all

Just two quick questions.....i've read that it's best to harvest burdock & thistle after its first years growth so how do you identify this stage?

Also are there many other plants that are best harvested like this?

Cheers

 

[torjusg]

In general, all binennial root crops are best harvested in their first year or before starting to grow on the second year. Learn to identify it by the leaves alone. The first year it usually doesn't have a stalk flowers or seeds, but is entirely dedicated to grow.

 

[spoonman]

Thanks torjusg

Are there any other wild binennial root crops apart from burdock and thistle?

 

[torjusg]

Thanks torjusg

Are there any other wild binennial root crops apart from burdock and thistle?

Cow parsley is one more. It is very bitter before the thick skin is removed and the core itself doesn't really taste much.

 

[dommyracer]

As well as the root, look out for the Witchetty grubs!

The larva of the Ghost Moth like to eat the roots, as it does with the Witchetty Bush.

 

[torjusg]

As well as the root, look out for the Witchetty grubs!

The larva of the Ghost Moth like to eat the roots, as it does with the Witchetty Bush.

Are those grubs tasty you say? The roots of which plants?