Wild garlic (Allium ursinum)

Wild garlic (Allium ursinum), also known as wild garlic or wild white onion, is an edible plant that grows in moist forests and meadows.

It has a strong garlic smell, as it belongs to the same family as garlic, onions and leeks. It is mainly used for culinary purposes, where the leaves and, less often, the bulbs are used.

Wild garlic is popular in the spring months, as it is richest in nutrients at that time. The leaves are very tasty and can be used to prepare pestos, soups, salads or as a spice for various dishes. In addition, it also has many medicinal properties, such as antibacterial and antifungal effects, strengthens the immune system, helps with digestion and cleanses the body.

It is also very easy to recognize due to its characteristic smell, but it is important to be careful, as we can confuse wild garlic with other, poisonous plants, such as lily of the valley, which has similar leaves.

USING WILD GARLIC IN FOOD

Wild garlic is very popular in cooking, mainly due to its distinct wild garlic flavor and medicinal properties.

How to include it in your diet:

Wild garlic pesto

Wild garlic pesto is a great alternative to traditional basil pesto. To prepare it, you will need:

• fresh wild garlic leaves

• olive oil

• pine nuts or walnuts

• parmesan (or similar hard cheese)

• salt and pepper

Crush all ingredients in a blender to obtain a creamy mixture. Use it as a dressing for pasta, bread or as an addition to meat and fish.

Salads

Fresh wild garlic leaves are great for various salads. You can simply mix them with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and olive oil. They give the salad a fresh and slightly spicy flavor.

Soups

Wild garlic can be a great addition to soups, especially spring cream soups, such as potato soups or vegetable soups. You can add it at the end of cooking to preserve its flavor and nutrients.

Bread or rolls with wild garlic

You can mix finely chopped wild garlic leaves into the dough for bread or rolls. This will give you a fragrant and tasty bread that is great for breakfast or a snack.

Omelets and egg dishes

Add wild garlic to omelets, egg salads, or as a topping for fried eggs. It will give your omelets a fresh and slightly spicy flavor.

Wild garlic butter

All you have to do is mix softened butter with wild garlic, salt, and a little lemon juice. This butter is great for spreading on freshly baked bread, meat, or vegetable dishes.

Smoothie

If you want to incorporate wild garlic into your diet in an easier way, you can add it to your smoothie. Blend it with other vegetables, fruits (such as bananas or apples), and add a little lemon juice and water or plant-based milk.

Seasoning for meat and fish

Wild garlic is a great addition to meat and fish. You can use it as a seasoning, mix it with oil and spices, and coat meat or fish before baking.

Cooking and baking

Wild garlic can also be added to various stews or baked dishes. Be careful not to cook it for too long, as it loses its flavor and nutrients. It is best to add it at the end of cooking.

Wild garlic salt

Easily made wild garlic salt is great as a seasoning for various dishes. Mix finely chopped wild garlic leaves with salt and let the flavors combine.

If you want to save it for later, you can dry or freeze the wild garlic, but it is best to eat it fresh, as this way it retains the most nutrients and flavor.