Invasive plant species can ravage your yard and the surrounding ecosystem.
But before you dispose of those pesky plants, take a look at what you're dealing with, as it might just be a tasty treat. (Note: Before eating, it's important that you're 100% certain in your identification.)
1. If it's good enough for a chef…
Water spinach is native to Southeast and East Asia but has been introduced to the United States and can wreak havoc on biodiversity. It may be stocked at your neighborhood Asian market, but why not grab those nutrient-rich leafy greens in the wild? It'll save you money and lend a hand to the local ecosystem.
It can be used in a variety of ways, but one chef was kind enough to share a quick and easy recipe on TikTok.
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2. Not your everyday backyard weeds
You could walk past edible plants every day and have no idea that they could spruce up any meal. In fact, this TikToker found four edible plants right next to each other in a park — and began eating right then and there.
You might want to take them home and clean them before chowing down, but this just goes to show how prevalent some of these plants are.
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3. It tastes like licorice
Invasive fennel doesn't grow everywhere, but where it does, it's aggressive, spreading quickly and forcing out native plants and vegetation. By picking and eating it, you can cut grocery bills and do everyone a favor at the same time.
This is another one that doesn't need to be cooked. Pick a tender stalk — not one that's too old — then peel it and eat it. It's got a sweet taste similar to that of licorice.
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4. Two uses in one species
Though this could be said about pretty much every invasive, it's really important to get to Japanese knotweed when it starts to grow. It doesn't taste as good after the leaves sprout.
You can just break it off at the base and eat it or bake it into a pie (try rhubarb).
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On top of that, the roots contain high levels of resveratrol, an ingredient in many anti-aging formulas, and can be used to make homemade serums.
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