Unlike the common beech, no parts of the hornbeam contain toxic substances. The plant poses no danger whatsoever. But which parts are edible? Here you will find the most important information about using the hornbeam.
Are parts of the hornbeam edible?
The hornbeam is edible: its young leaves are suitable as a salad ingredient or for green smoothies, while its small wing nuts can be used culinary. Animals can also easily feed on leaves, twigs and fruits.
Which hornbeam leaves are edible?
The youngleaves of the hornbeam are edible. Since, from a botanical point of view, the hornbeam is not a type of beech but rather a birch tree, basically all parts of the plant are edible. Unlike the common beech, for example, you do not have to expect toxic substances here. However, because the tree's large leaves have a bitter taste, only young leaves are used as an ingredient in dishes. You can use these as an addition to salads, for example.
For which smoothies can I use hornbeam leaves?
If you harvest the young hornbeam leaves in spring, you can also use them to makegreen smoothies. A tasty combination results, for example, from the following ingredients:
- young hornbeam leaves
- Baby spinach
- Mango
- Kiwi
- some cardamom
Be sure to use a blender with a sharp blade when making it. The leaves of spinach and hornbeam are rich in fiber. Not every device can handle these. However, a professional blender should be up to the task.
Are hornbeam fruits edible?
The fruits of the hornbeam are alsoedible Unlike real beech trees, no beechnuts grow on this tree. After the hornbeam blooms, small wingnuts grow on its branches. These are non-toxic and can also be used culinary. However, this is more of an insider tip than a frequently used dish.
Tip
Feed hornbeam to animals
Hornbeam is also edible for animals. For example, you can easily feed the leaves, twigs and fruits of the plant to your rabbit. If you make a shape cut on a hornbeam hedge in spring, you will lose a lot of food for animals.
