Wild garlic (Allium ursinum) is an integral part of traditional spring recipes in many regions of Central Europe. There are a few things you should keep in mind if you want to eat the leaves and flowers of the garlic-like herb raw.
Can you eat wild garlic raw?
Wild garlic can be eaten raw if it has been washed thoroughly to remove fox tapeworm eggs. Home-grown wild garlic minimizes the risk of being confused with poisonous plants and offers protection against fox tapeworms, especially when grown in a fenced garden.
The different uses of wild garlic
Wild garlic can be used as a flavor carrier in a variety of recipes such as wild garlic soup or wild garlic pesto. However, the delicate taste of garlic develops particularly well if the leaves have not been cooked or cooked. Raw wild garlic components, like cooked ones, are non-toxic, at least as long as no poisonous counterparts such as autumn crocus, Aaron's rod and lily of the valley have sneaked in due to confusion. However, the wild garlic harvested in the forest should be washed very thoroughly before consumption in order to remove any eggs of the dangerous fox tapeworm.
Grow wild garlic yourself for raw consumption
Even with wild garlic purchased in stores, you should not forget to wash it thoroughly to eliminate the risk of fox tapeworm. Growing in your own garden can provide greater security from this if it is on a fenced property away from forest areas. The targeted cultivation of wild garlic in your own garden using wild garlic bulbs or seeds not only minimizes the risk of fox tapeworm, but also the risk of confusion with poisonous plants. If you choose a forest-like location under deciduous trees and bushes for cultivation, then the plant can multiply by itself with consistent moisture.
Alternatives to eating raw
A sophisticated alternative to eating wild garlic raw is to pickle the wild garlic buds as so-called wild garlic capers. To do this, the still closed flower buds are boiled with herbal vinegar and seasoned with s alt and filled into screw-top jars. This delicacy offers various benefits after being stored in a dark and cool place for a few weeks:
- a gentle wild garlic flavor
- Safety from the fox tapeworm
- a longer shelf life than fresh wild garlic
Tips & Tricks
You don't have to miss out on enjoying fresh and raw wild garlic due to the risk of fox tapeworm, as long as the leaves and flowers are washed thoroughly with hot water and rubbed off manually.
