GROUND ELDER

Scientific Name: Aegopodium podagraria

Flavour: Ground elder has a mild, slightly bitter flavour with hints of parsley and celery. It offers a fresh and aromatic taste that can be used as a herbaceous addition to various dishes.

Growing Season: Ground elder typically grows from spring to early summer and can continue to thrive throughout the year. It is a perennial plant that can tolerate various growing conditions.

Native Region: Ground elder is native to Europe, including the British Isles. It can also be found in other regions around the world where it has been introduced.

Traditional Recipe: Ground Elder Soup

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of fresh ground elder leaves, washed and roughly chopped

  • 1 onion, finely chopped

  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced

  • 2 tablespoons of butter or olive oil

  • 4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth

  • 1 potato, peeled and diced

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Optional: Cream or yogurt for serving

Instructions:

In a large soup pot, melt the butter or heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until the onion becomes translucent.

Add the diced potato and ground elder leaves to the pot, stirring to combine.

Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, ensuring the ingredients are fully submerged.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.

Use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a blender to puree until smooth.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve the ground elder soup hot, optionally garnished with a swirl of cream or yogurt.

Health Properties: Ground elder contains vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals such as calcium, potassium, and iron. It is also rich in dietary fiber. As with any wild plant, it is advisable to gather from clean, uncontaminated areas and be aware of potential allergies or sensitivities.

Growing Technique:

Location: Ground elder can grow in various soil types and light conditions, although it prefers partially shaded areas. It can tolerate both moist and dry conditions.

Planting: Ground elder can spread aggressively, so it is recommended to confine it to a contained area, such as a raised bed or large pots. To start, you can either purchase potted ground elder plants or divide an existing plant.

Maintenance: Regularly monitor and manage ground elder to prevent it from becoming invasive. Remove any unwanted shoots or runners to control its spread. Mulching can help suppress its growth.

Harvesting: Harvest the young and tender ground elder leaves before the plant flowers. Cut or gently pluck the leaves from the plant, leaving some behind for continued growth and regrowth.

Culinary Use: Ground elder can be used as a herbaceous addition to various dishes. It can be incorporated into soups, stews, salads, and even pesto. Experiment with different culinary applications to explore its flavour and versatility.