Tag: Buckwheat family

Botanically, rhubarb is not a close relative of celery, but rather a member of the buckwheat family. While both share a long, fibrous stalk, the similarities are purely coincidental, masking major differences in taste, toxicity, and culinary use.

Despite being botanically classified as a vegetable, in 1947, the USDA declared rhubarb a fruit for tax purposes, adding to the culinary confusion. For those asking what food family is rhubarb in, the answer lies in its true botanical classification within the Polygonaceae family.

The genus *Rumex* is a large family of plants, and while sorrel is a type of dock, the vast majority of docks are not sorrel. This close relationship is the source of frequent confusion among gardeners, foragers, and home cooks, who often mistake the two for one another due to their similar appearances and shared family tree.

The redshank plant (Persicaria maculosa), also known as Lady's Thumb, is a widespread weed found across temperate regions of the northern hemisphere. In fact, the leaves, young shoots, flowers, and seeds are all edible, though proper identification and preparation are essential for safe consumption.

Lady's Thumb, or *Persicaria maculosa*, is a widespread annual weed found in moist, disturbed soils throughout many parts of the world, often dismissed as a nuisance. For those who know what to look for, this unassuming plant can provide a free and flavorful addition to the kitchen.

The buckwheat family, known scientifically as Polygonaceae, is much more than just a pseudocereal; it also includes surprising edible relatives like rhubarb and sorrel. Despite its name, common buckwheat is not related to wheat or other true cereal grains, but is instead a cousin to these tart and tangy plants. This diverse botanical family is full of unique, nutritionally dense foods that can be incorporated into a wide variety of meals.

Dock, a common plant often viewed as a weed, possesses edible seeds that are gaining attention in the foraging community. For those seeking wild food sources or exploring alternatives to common grains, the question often arises: **Can you eat dock seeds** safely as part of a nutritious diet? The answer is yes, with careful identification, preparation, and moderation.