The Yellow Salsify originated in Europe and was likely brought to North America as a food plant. It was widely eaten 200 years ago.
It was apparently harvested for its roots, but sources say the flowers are edible and delicious.
I’m not too adventurous with trying wildflowers in my baking or cooking.
Yellow Salsify is abundant along the riverbank here. I’ve photographed the flowers often because they’re so showy in the morning sunlight. Today was the first time I ever researched them.
According to web sources, some of the benefits of Salsify root include its ability to boost the immune system, stimulate hair growth, increase circulation, improve digestive health, increase metabolism, regulate blood pressure, and positively affect bone mineral density.
Hmmm … maybe I should dig some up on my next walk, prepare the roots for health benefits, and garnish my next salad with the flowers. Would you?
“Edible flowers have many culinary uses. Sought after for their flavors, aromas, textures and colours, edible flowers are used fresh, frozen, dried, crystallized or as a foam – in molecular gastronomy – and appear in meat and fish dishes, pastas, salads, soups and desserts.”
Constance Kirker
Radically Retired 
The flowers are very pretty. But no, I would not use them for food. With regards to their health benefits, I wonder if this is backed by science. I remember my dad once wanted to eat dandelion leaves. So, my mom made them. All us kids got a good laugh watching my dad try them. It was a one time thing. 🙂
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I know lots of people who use dandelion leaves in their salads and love them. Others I know make dandelion wine from the flowers. (Have never tried either) This wildflower is a member of the dandelion family. I’m not sure how much of the health benefits are backed by science. I do know that many pharmaceuticals use plants as a base, so you never know. Thanks for commenting, and have a great Sunday, Betty!
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I have heard dandelion leaves can be delicious. I don’t know if it was the type of dandelion used or if my mom just didn’t cook them “right”, but I’ll never forget that my dad’s face when he tried them with all us kids looking on. LOL. Hope you have a great Sunday, too!
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Great post Terry! I’ve seen plenty of these flowers but never knew what they were called or that they were edible… if you dig some up and try them I’d love to read about it! I suspect though, that the roots are bitter… lol
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Thank you! Apparently the root is a bit like a potato but sweeter. I’m not adventurous enough to try them. How about you do it and let us know? 😉. Thanks for reading and commenting, Nadine! Have a great day!
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I will search them out and taste them… maybe you can read all about it when I do! Lmao
I quite like foraging and trying new things… 😉
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When you Google how to prepare Salsify root, lots of info comes up. I’ll be anxious to hear your review, Nadine!
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Fascinating post. I’ve read about this plant but never seen it.
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Thank you for stopping by and commenting! Have a great day!
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That’s very interesting Terry. They say that there are cures for most illnesses in nature, but sometimes there are so many claims made about certain plants that it make you wonder. I haven’t seen any salsify but I have a load of horsetail (mare’s tail) in my garden. It’s believed that it has great medicinal properties – and perhaps it has! I’ve often thought I must try it – but up til now it remains a nuisance, coming up all over the place!!
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I was just reading that 40% of the drugs we get from our pharmacies in the Western world are derived from plants that have been used for centuries for their medicinal properties. Im sure that percentage is much higher in Asia and the Middle East. I’m also sketchy about just harvesting something and trying it, – mostly because I wouldn’t know proper amounts to use. I’m not familiar with mare’s tail but it’s apparently abundant in certain areas here. I’ll keep my eyes open for it now that you’ve mentioned it. Thanks for stopping by, reading, and commenting, Helene! Have a great rest of your day!
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