In spring, the "wild vegetables" in the fields are fresh, tender, and delicious, and eating them has become a healthy fashion. But did you know? Don't pick wild vegetables by the roadside!
Food experts introduce that common wild vegetables include shepherd's purse, Kochia scoparia, sow thistle, purslane, Chenopodium album, wild amaranth, Houttuynia cordata, and bracken fern. Wild vegetables are sought after because of their high nutritional value.
Green wild vegetables are rich in carotene, vitamin C, riboflavin, and other nutrients. They are also high in minerals such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium. In addition, they are rich in dietary fiber, which can promote gastrointestinal motility and reduce constipation. They also contain more phytochemicals, which are beneficial to health. However, nowadays, more and more wild vegetables are artificially cultivated in greenhouses, so they are not so "wild" anymore, and their flavor is greatly diminished.
There are many ways to eat wild vegetables. You can eat them cold, such as shepherd's purse and sow thistle. After washing, they can be eaten cold for a refreshing taste. They can also be used as a filling. For example, shepherd's purse can be mixed with meat to make wonton or dumpling fillings, creating an indescribably wonderful flavor.
You can also steam them, such as Kochia scoparia and elm tree seeds. After washing, mix them with dry flour and steam for a few minutes, then eat them with garlic sauce. In addition, adding some wild vegetables to soups or noodles can also add color and flavor.
Food experts remind us that while there are many wild vegetables in the spring, not all of them are edible. When picking wild vegetables, be sure to remember: do not pick or eat any wild vegetables that you cannot identify.
Moreover, do not pick wild vegetables by the roadside. Wild vegetables growing by the roadside are easily contaminated. Do not pick wild vegetables from garbage dumps or roadsides. Wild vegetables that you have picked must be properly cleaned and processed before eating.