Foraging Garlic Mustard

One of my wonderful neighbours brought me a salad last week.  It contained Garlic Mustard, Dandelion Greens, Cherry Tomatoes and Apple Slices.  It was a beautiful salad complimented with an outstanding dressing of Rice Vinegar and Udo Oil (http://udoerasmus.com/products/oil_blend_en.htm).  Gorgeous, Healthy and Reviving are words that come to mind when describing this salad and wonderful act of kindness from my neighbour.

I was interested in hearing further about the Garlic Mustard Plant.  This plant was first used as a culinary herb dating back to the year 1868.  It has a wonderfully pleasant garlic taste which becomes apparent approximately 5 - 10 seconds after first munching on the leaves.  It is a very invasive plant and has been outlawed in some states in the U.S.  It's supposed to have a slightly bitter taste, but we love it so much we don't even notice! 

Just 2 weeks ago, I was weeding and did not realize that I was removing copious amounts of Garlic Mustard from a corner of our backyard.  I could not believe that what I thought was a weed was actually beneficial food for us!  This plant spreads quickly each year, however we have it on the opposite side of our garden in order to keep it under control.  Because of the underlying hint of garlic, it naturally repels insects and fungus.  It is very easy to recognize.  If you are not sure, just rub the leaves between your fingers and wait for that great garlic scent.

Garlic Mustard is high in Vitamin A and C.  It can be used on cuts and minor abrasions, the same way you would use regular garlic.

You can also use it to make a fantastic Garlic Pesto, or add to salads, stir fry's, soups, casseroles, omelets or wherever your heart desires!  We have started adding this to dishes where we would normally use garlic or onion for extra flavour and vitamins.

If you are a person who retains fluid easily (like myself!), Garlic Mustard contains diuretic properties which should minimize fluid retention naturally - without paying the cost of a prescription or having any undesirable side effects.

In my search, I have found a wonderful and easy recipe for Garlic Mustard Pesto:

Ingredients

3 packed cups of garlic mustard

½ to 1 cup walnuts (or other nut of your choice)

1 cup olive oil

2 cloves garlic

1 cup Parmesan cheese or Romano cheese, grated

Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Combine garlic mustard, garlic, and walnuts in a food processor.
2. Slowly add olive oil until desired consistency is reached.
3. Add cheese and process briefly.
4. Taste and add salt or pepper if desired.
5. Serve over pasta or spread on crackers or sandwiches.

---