I planted nasturtiums in my wee polytunnel along with calendula as they're good companion plants for my tomatoes. And they are thriving!!
Lots and lots of flowers from just 10 plants!
I knew the flowers were edible but I discovered that the leaves are edible too. A bit peppery and delicious chopped up in a salad with kale and baby spinach leaves 😋
I'd also heard that nasturtium seeds could be pickled as a sub for capers. I love capers and pretty much anything pickled so I'm having a go using this recipe HERE Plus there's loads more info on nasturtiums too.
Basically you can eat the whole plant. Now that's frugal gourmet stuff!
Didn't know that about nasturtiums. Where do the seeds appear? I've never seen any on the plants.
ReplyDeleteOnce the flower dies off a wee tiny bud appears in it's place and grows. They get to a certain size then they develop into a cluster.
DeleteYou need to try nasturtium leaf soup here's a link to an old blog post of mine https://unboughtdelicacies.blogspot.com/2012/08/frugal-friday-nasturtium-leaf-soup.html
ReplyDeleteOh yum!! I'll give that a go. Glad to see that blog is still there xxx
DeleteProbably too late for this year but the seeds from Ramsons - wild garlic pickle really well. If you like capers then I think you would like these too. They also crush well to make fabulous garlic butter. Possibly my favourite plant for being able to eat all of it.
ReplyDeleteI must try nasturtiums next year. They certainly make a very attractive meal.
I must remember that for next year!
DeleteI'be pickled nasturtium seeds. Not sure of they taste like capers, but they are nice as themselves. I've also used leaves to make garden green pesto -I don't like basil so if I want to have pesto I have to make it myself. Never used flowers, I hope bees and bumble bees enjoy them.
ReplyDeleteYep, loads of wee bees like the flowers! They also love the marjoram flowers just outside the polytunnel so I've got lots of options for them :-)
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