Tag: Onopordum acanthium

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.

Scotch thistle (*Onopordum acanthium*), despite its famously prickly appearance, has been used in European traditional medicine and cuisine for centuries. This historical use leads many aspiring foragers to ask, "can you eat Scotch thistles?" The answer is yes, but only certain parts and with careful preparation.