The pennywort multiplies so profusely that we could take a few shoots at any time. The idea isn't that far-fetched, as many edible treasures grow unrecognized in our gardens. Is pennywort also included?
Is pennywort edible?
The pennywort (Lysimachia nummularia) is edible and not poisonous. The delicate leaves and yellow flowers can be used in salads, herb butter, quark or as a vegetable side dish. The taste is similar to asparagus with a slightly sour note.
Poisonous or edible?
Before any plant enters our kitchen, the question of its edibility should be answered beyond doubt. No, the pennywort, bot. Lysimachia nummularia, is not poisonous! And yes, pennywort is edible!
Flowers and leaves as cooking ingredients
The evergreen coin herb offers us tender leaves from spring until the first frost. During the flowering period from May to July there are also edible yellow flowers. The taste of pennywort is said to be similar to asparagus, but has a bitter note. Some also describe the aroma as slightly sour.
- Leaves enrich salads
- they come in herb butter or quark
- also as an addition to cooked vegetables
- pure on buttered bread
- Flowers serve as edible decoration
Pennywort as a medicinal plant
In this country, pennywort no longer plays any role as a medicinal plant. Things were different in Hildegard von Bingen's time. In Eastern Europe, however, the herb is still valued today as a natural remedy for diarrhea and rheumatism.
The he althy effect is attributed to silica. In addition, pennywort also contains flavonoids, tannins, saponins and mucilage.
Tea enjoyment with pennywort
Mix the flowers and leaves of the pennywort and make a tasty tea. Its aroma is said to be reminiscent of green tea. For one cup you need a tablespoon of fresh or dried pennywort. It needs to steep for 5-10 minutes so that its ingredients can fully develop.
Identifying pennywort
The pennywort is not only cultivated specifically in the balcony box or as a ground cover on the pond. It can also be found in the wild or as a wild plant in the garden. When you search you will recognize it by its typical appearance:
- about 5 cm height
- up to 50 cm long, creeping shoots
- numerous round, penny-sized leaves
- simple yellow flowers with a diameter of approx. 3 cm
Tip
Always play it safe when searching for wild plants and take a well-illustrated identification book (€32.00 on Amazon) with you. Although the confusion with loosestrife and watercress is unlikely to happen here, as both plants are also edible.
