Plantain
15 Jun
Common Name: Plantain
Latin Name: Plantago major
Description: Plantain leaves can grow up to 1 foot in length. They can range in shape from round to lance leafed. Leaves are of solid green pigment and have very defined parallel veins running up the underside. Plantain buds and flowers grow at the top of a long narrow stem and bare slight resemblance to baby corn.
Habitat: Plantain is commonly found in sunny meadows, near roadways, lawns, waste areas, and other places where the soil has been disturbed. Varying spices of plantain grow throughout North America and Europe.
Food: Tender leaves can be used as salads greens. Buds and flowers can be marinated.
Nutrition: Plantain provides beta-carotene and calcium. Its richness in fiber reduces low-density lipoproteins (L.D.L) cholesterol and triglycerides. According to Rosemary Gladstar of the California School of Herbal Studies, plantain juice and poultices treat and reverse blood poising. Plantain is also famous for aiding stings, burns, bites, abscesses, and infections.
Recipe: Plantain Cocktail (More recipes like this one in “Fresh” by Sergei and Valya Boutenko)
1 bunch freshly picked plantain
3 apples (chopped)
½ of a lime with peel
1 thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger
Juice ingredients in juicer. Add ice cubes or chill before serving. Decorate with edible flowers.
Serves 2
