Tag: Edible thistle

Historically, various cultures across Europe have utilized the biennial Scotch thistle, *Onopordum acanthium*, as a source of food. While its formidable spines might suggest otherwise, several parts of the young plant are, in fact, edible with proper preparation.

While often dismissed as a prickly weed, studies show that Canada thistle can have a protein content as high as 27% in its young regrowth stage, rivaling alfalfa. The question, "how nutritious is thistle?", reveals that this wild plant is a powerhouse of essential vitamins and minerals that can support overall health.

Did you know that thistles are related to the culinary globe artichoke, offering several edible parts from root to flower? This thorny plant, often dismissed as a weed, presents a rewarding wild vegetable for foragers, but it is crucial to know which part of thistle is edible and how to prepare it safely.