Unknown plant

[tcvarlh]

She uses the young stalks too, peeled and either boiled or stir fried. The leaves are trimmed of spikes and given a dash of Olive Oil and Balsamico, pinch of Sea Salt and Chervil these days. I can recommend 'em.
I think she uses it in other ways too, something about the seeds if I recall.
h

[Dorts]

Originally Posted by tcvarlh

She uses the young stalks too, peeled and either boiled or stir fried. The leaves are trimmed of spikes and given a dash of Olive Oil and Balsamico, pinch of Sea Salt and Chervil these days. I can recommend 'em.
I think she uses it in other ways too, something about the seeds if I recall.
h

Yes, apparently the seeds are the best part for the 'liver-tonic' properties. Not quite sure how you'd use them, perhaps you could make an infusion, like celery-seed tea?
Dorts.

[tcvarlh]

Got me wondering how she used them, all I was interested in was what they tasted like (ah youth!) So I looked it up and it seems as though the plant is pretty impressive.
The roots can be eaten raw or boiled and buttered or par-boiled and roasted. The young shoots in spring can be cut down to the root and boiled and buttered. The spiny bracts on the flower head were eaten in the past like globe artichoke, and the stems (after peeling) can be soaked overnight to remove bitterness and then stewed. The leaves can be trimmed of prickles and boiled and make a good spinach substitute or they can also be added raw to salads.
The seed contains silymarin which appears to have a number of beneficial uses not least of which is the effect of its extract on hangovers! Oh yes, by-the-bye, it helps with liver cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis, toxin-induced liver damage incl. preventing severe liver damage from Amanita phalloides ('death cap') poisoning, gallbladder disorders, cholesterol reduction, reducing insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes who also have cirrhosis, reducing the growth of cancer cells in breast, cervical, and prostate cancer, aids withdrawal from opiates, reduces the liver damage effects of chemotherapeutic drugs.
Clinical study has shown that liver function tests can be improved in active hepatitis patients.
And it will stop folks climbing over yer wall to scrump yer apples!

More than impressed! You can see why she calls it Blessed!
Want some!
h

[Hobjob]

I found it wild near Shingle street in coastal Suffolk many moons ago.

Seeded in the garden well (dry and sandy at 50cm).

It has the sharpest spines of any thistle I've ever been pricked by.
So I guess that make it pretty child-safe.