Its here!

[British Red]

Woodland herb garden, what's a growing there besides ransomes?

Our soon to be garden has a lot of tree cover. I wonder what herbs we should grow there? Any native plants you can use instead of common shop bought herbs? Where can you get native plants for herbs? It could be a business being a nursery for British native herbs. Or are there plant sharing websites or groups?

Then again, unless one plant is a direct replacement for a standard herb it's unlikely to get used by people. Plus most people do not have the plant knowledge to know what herb replacement plants to get. Myself included. Might be an interesting topic for a thread to discuss the matter further. Unless it's been discussed before.

Definitely a new thread! But lots of things. Babbingtons leek always the earliest, both Sorrel & wood sorrel, plus the trinity of trees...Quince, Mulberry and Medlar

 

[punkrockcaveman]

Mainly roots showing by the river, but loads of shoots and even a few immature leaves tonight. With the mild weather this week I hope I'll be to pick a few soon

 

[British Red]

View attachment 64322
Mainly roots showing by the river, but loads of shoots and even a few immature leaves tonight. With the mild weather this week I hope I'll be to pick a few soon

Ours is right up now. Just had some in a lemon chicken dish (our own chicken of course) for tea

 

[punkrockcaveman]

Same here now, some fully grown leaves, some immature. Had a few lovely meals with it now. My favourite has been a curry loaded with the stuff as you would spinach

 

[British Red]

Same here now, some fully grown leaves, some immature. Had a few lovely meals with it now. My favourite has been a curry loaded with the stuff as you would spinach

Perfect!

 

[John Fenna]

My various patches of Ramsons are just starting to show - a bit small to harvest yet!

 

[henchy3rd]

Wild Arum - Arum maculatum. Not to be confused with wild garlic although the young leaves can look very similar. All parts contain calcium oxalate which should not be consumed.

For anyone in the know:
I’m no expert & don’t know the biology of plants & cells,just their common uk names & uses to a degree.
However, I do consume a fair bit of stinging nettle soup when in season(home made).
I’m aware the stings contain oxalic acid & they are made safe by wafting over the fire or boiling.
So the question is..Are oxalic acid & calcium oxalate(in wild Arum)a similar compound/chemical or completely different?
Can one be boiled(soluble) or cooked out..the other not(insoluble).

 

[Broch]

For anyone in the know:
I’m no expert & don’t know the biology of plants & cells,just their common uk names & uses to a degree.
However, I do consume a fair bit of stinging nettle soup when in season(home made).
I’m aware the stings contain oxalic acid & they are made safe by wafting over the fire or boiling.
So the question is..Are oxalic acid & calcium oxalate(in wild Arum)a similar compound/chemical or completely different?
Can one be boiled(soluble) or cooked out..the other not(insoluble).

They are not the same. calcium oxalate are literally needle like cells that severely irritate your insides. The roots can be processed to make them edible, and I have done it, but I don't consider it responsible to publish how on here because failure to get it right can be quite dangerous (or at least very unpleasant). Look up Portland Sago for some further info