ANTONIA ABLASS
ANTONIA ABLASS
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DAISY

from the series wild weeds

ANTONIA ABLASS

Daisies can be found almost all year round. In hot summers and even during mild winter periods, they brighten meadows with their delicate flowers. What many people don’t know is that they are edible, and not only that, they add a tasty freshness to any salad, while their blossoms are a feast for the eyes.

However, do not to harvest them in winter, as insects and other small animals need them more than we do.

ANTONIA ABLASS

Appearance
· Leaves: elongated, spoon-shaped; arranged in a ground rosette
· Flower: white to pink with yellow center

 

Use
· salads, soups, sauces
· pesto
· tea
· on bread, in butter, or soups
· decoration for desserts
· buds used like capers

 

Effects
· contains tannins, essential oils, bitter compounds, flavonoids, mucilage, saponins
· anti-inflammatory, blood-cleansing, expectorant, metabolism-supporting

 

Taste
· Leaves: mild, slightly tart, nutty-grassy
· Flowers: mildly nutty-sweet

 

Other
· Daisies belong to the daisy family; those allergic to chamomile should avoid them.
· Can be found almost year-round.

general information

What is great about foraging wild herbs

Tips to harvest safe and with respect

HEALTHY
· They contain many beneficial nutrients, often more than spinach or supermarket salads.

FRESH
· You can harvest them whenever you need them (and store them in the fridge for a few days).

AFFORDABLE
· They are free and help you save money.

LOCAL
· They grow here — no need for lettuce transported by truck.
· You get to know your surroundings better.

JOY
· It is enjoyable to be outdoors and to move your body.

· Only harvest if you are sure you have identified the correct plant.
· If needed, double-check with an identification app, e.g. Flora Incognita.
· Wash the leaves thoroughly, even if you harvested them in nature.
· Do not collect near busy roads or next to agricultural fields (these are often heavily treated with chemicals).
· Follow respectful harvesting guidelines:
– take only what you need
– never more than half
– do not remove the entire plant so it can continue growing