Himalayan Balsam

[Archanejil]

Hi chaps - have been away for a while, but hopefully now back for a while.

Went out today for my first proper forage in ages and came across a massive patch of the dreaded himalayan balsam. I've been doing a bit of research -- as it turns out, quite a bit of it is edible, including the seeds. I figured it worth a mention as they're really quite almondy (when they're black) and end up being quite more-ish! I've been nomming them most of the evening, though if I can bear to save some, I reckon they'd go nice in biscuits. I do believe I will be hitting the same patch for some flowers to make jam (ha, or knowing me, a messy syrup) with later this week.

Though the caveat of "mind yer eyes" definitely applies when dealing with explosive seed pods...

[fruitcake]

there's heaps of the dam stuff round here - great to hear that it has it's uses - i read somewhere else recently that it's good for the bees too. I'm still sulking cos I found some in my garden this year - bah humbug
At least i know i can eat it although I'm not going to let it go to seed can't bring myself to do that no matter how tasty - will go find some across the road instead

[Somnophore]

I discovered this is large quantities last year but didn't do much with it, think I'll grab plenty of the seeds this year and try and do something with them. They are amazing the way the seed pods ping open.

[Milims]

Be careful - I have a feeling that it's on the Environment Agencys hit list as an invasive weed

[Somnophore]

Yeah it is, hence why it's especially good to eat it.