Page 60 - The Forager’s Guide to Wild Foods
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Cut-Leaf Toothwort, Cardamine
concatenata (BRASSICACEAE)
Joshua Mayer, CC-BY-SA-2.0
Andrew C, CC-BY-2.0
CUT-LEAF TOOTHWORT or Pepperwort, formally roots (rhizomes) grow parallel to the ground, are seg-
known as Dentaria laciniata, is a perennial that grows mented, and have tooth-like growths.
6-12 inches (15-30 cm) tall and wide. It is very com-
EDIBLE PARTS: leaves and roots
mon east of the Rockies in moist forests and closed
HOW TO HARVEST AND EAT: Leaves have a peppery
woodlands, and rare on the western side of North
taste similar to watercress. The short growth season
America. It prefers calcareous, rich soil. Leaves ap-
of this species means that foraging for leaves is re-
pear in late autumn or early spring before the tree
stricted to April. The roots can be dug year-round, but
canopy rejuvenates.
it’s easier to identify the plant after it has produced
FLOWER: Flowers are white, sometimes tinged pink,
leaves or flowers. The roots taste similar to radish and
and form at the top of the stem. Each stem can pro-
can be eaten in the same way; raw, cooked or pickled.
duce up to 10 flowers that are ½-¾ inch (1-2 cm)
long. The flower consists of 4 simple petals with 6 PICKLED CUT-LEAF TOOTHWORT RECIPE: Ingre-
yellow stamens held by pale green or lavender sepals. dients: 1 ½ cups of finely sliced cut-leaf toothwort
Cut-leaf toothwort only flowers for a month in spring root, 1 finely sliced carrot, 1 cup of apple cider vin-
and then produces an elongated, erect seedpod that is egar, ½ cup of water, 1 tsp. salt, 1 tsp. raw sugar.
up to 1 ½ inches (4 cm) long. Warm and stir the water, vinegar, salt and sugar un-
LEAF: Each plant has 3 basal leaves and 3 upper leaves til all of the ingredients have dissolved and mixed.
that are arranged in a whorl halfway up the stem. Place all ingredients into a large jar, screw the lid on
Leaves have a long, obvious stalk and are divided and shake, then leave in the fridge overnight. Makes
into 3 or 5 heavily serrated or toothed blades. Mature a great side dish.
leaves are usually 3 inches (7 cm) long. The shallow
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