Food for free! Plants and fungi favourites

[Dan Salter]

Originally Posted by m1.carson

Hi dan,

Do you mean that if we buy some from a supermarket and plant it in our pond, it will be safe to eat, there are very few fast and clear streams around here to gather a bunch from, [Thames valley].

Max.

No it wont be safe at all...its not about the plant or where you get it, its about the situation...the fluke attaches to the plant in still, non moving water where the plant is , like at a pond edge...the only safe place apparently is in fast flowing water...

Although im not sure of washing of the plant makes it safe....maybe google liver fluke/water cress?

Apparently its common to find fools water cress mixed up with real water cress in supermarkets too so be careful what you plant.

I just read your reply again....im talking in terms of picking it to eat....not to plant, So DONT pick it from still ponds to eat, make sure its from fast flowing water? you get me?...also gathering a bunch from the wild is illegal ( if you meant pulling up roots to plant in pond?)

At the end of the day any watercress no matter wether you get some from tesco, or from the wild, or grow from seed that is growing in a pond situation or garden pond has the danger of passing on liver fluke if eaten....there...thats simple .

[Gill Catton]

Originally Posted by Dan Salter

Elder wine has been made for donkeys years so yes i guess something in the process ( if its not boiled at any stage?) must kill the toxins.

Wild water cress is ok from fast flowing clear streams like i mentioned...

Gill ...Do you mean a couple of dead NETTLES...or a couple of DEAD NETTLES ( as in red or white etc)

yes sorry fair point - white dead nettle Lamium album

[m1.carson]

Hi dan,

Thanks, I needed it that simple, have googled around on it's life cycle, a lot say it's ok if you haven't any sheep or cows upstream or nearby, or if you boil or freeze it, anyhow will take your advice and not eat any, but will plant some in the pond to reduce nutrients.

Thanks very much,

Max.

[Dan Salter]

Originally Posted by m1.carson

Hi dan,

Thanks, I needed it that simple, have googled around on it's life cycle, a lot say it's ok if you haven't any sheep or cows upstream or nearby, or if you boil or freeze it, anyhow will take your advice and not eat any, but will plant some in the pond to reduce nutrients.

Thanks very much,

Max.

Indeed its a great plant for ponds so dont be put off growing it...