The ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata) can be used fresh, dried or otherwise preserved in a variety of ways. Not only is it edible and tasty, but it is also he althy for people, horses and rabbits.
When and how should you harvest ribwort plantain?
The ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata) should ideally be harvested between May and September. Above all, collect the lanceolate leaves from remote locations such as unfertilized forage meadows and roadsides. The leaves can be dried, made into plantain honey or used in the kitchen.
Collect ribwort plantain at the right time
If you cannot grow ribwort plantain as a herb and medicinal plant in your own garden, you can most easily find it in natural fodder meadows and along roadsides when it is in bloom. Be sure to choose a location as remote as possible for collection to avoid harvesting plants contaminated by dogs. Since the ribwort plantain reproduces through self-sowing and also through the roots, numerous specimens of the species can often be found in a suitable location. In principle, all parts of the plant can be harvested and processed throughout the entire growing season. However, you will achieve the best results if you harvest between May and September.
Store the ribwort plantain
Drying is a popular technique for preserving the ribwort plantain with its cough-relieving effects for the winter season. Collect ribwort plantain leaves during dry weather to prevent them from becoming moldy while drying. In addition, although you can use all parts of the plant for ribwort plantain, the proportion of lanceolate leaves should clearly outweigh the stems and flower heads. To dry, you can string the ribwort plantain leaves on a string and hang them in a well-ventilated place. Alternatively, you can also prepare plantain honey or extract the juice from its leaves using a centrifuge.
The use of fresh ribwort plantain in the kitchen
The ribwort plantain is not only a very effective natural medicine for throat and bronchial problems, but also a tasty ingredient for the following dishes:
- Herb salads
- Sauces
- Dressings
The fresh leaves of the ribwort plantain can be washed and chopped into small pieces and simply mixed into salads and spicy dressings. The flower heads of the plant that have not yet bloomed can be easily roasted in a little oil and, when mixed with various foods, produce a mushroom-like taste.
Tips & Tricks
The roots of ribwort plantain can also be harvested and used. When chewed, they help against inflammation in the mouth and throat.