View Full Version : Thistle nuts.......a pleasant trail snack.
Fenlander
12-07-2006, 18:52
Creeping Thistle are now seeding and so it is a good time to try "thistle nuts". Gather the seed heads before they open.
Fenlander
12-07-2006, 18:55
Remove the seeds (keep them as tinder) and then extract the "nut" (shown in the red circle) using your finger nail.
They have a really sweet nutty flavour :)
bloodline
13-07-2006, 11:23
Thanks for that one I will give em a go when I walk the dogs
Nice one, will keep an eye out for some.
gregorach
13-07-2006, 11:49
Very interesting - is it only creeping thistle that has these?
you can eat them? I juist used the fluff as tinder...
Fenlander
13-07-2006, 15:44
Very interesting - is it only creeping thistle that has these?
Mmmmmm.....I'm not sure :confused: I was only ever taught to eat these.....maybe because they are so common.
Cheers Kev
I always keep the down for tinder - the best. Will give the nuts a try - loads on our back drive
JonathanD
13-07-2006, 19:25
Great stuff, why have I never heard of this before :You_Rock_
I believe all thistles are edible, can someone confirm this?
I've never come to any harm from them
I believe all thistles are edible, can someone confirm this?
I've never come to any harm from them
not all parts are edible on all thistles. or so I am told. If my brain were working I’d look out a pamphlet I have written by a guy called Johnny Jambalaya (not sure if that is his real name) which lists the bit that are good and thems that are not so good.
Edit to add (google is god) thistles (http://www.countrylovers.co.uk/wildfoodjj/thisprep.pdf)
Fenlander
13-07-2006, 21:59
not all parts are edible on all thistles. or so I am told. If my brain were working I’d look out a pamphlet I have written by a guy called Johnny Jambalaya (not sure if that is his real name) which lists the bit that are good and thems that are not so good.
Edit to add (google is god) thistles (http://www.countrylovers.co.uk/wildfoodjj/thisprep.pdf)
I've just PM'd him and asked his advice ;)
yum I have just tryed them .well you pick up some thing new every day thank you ps do you have eny more jems like that :You_Rock_
Jumbalaya
15-07-2006, 22:43
I've just PM'd him and asked his advice ;)
Hi ho folks,
Well from recollection the 'nut' of the creeping/field thistle [C. arvense] was not one of those which I could find written confirmation of regarding edibility.
Admittedly the heads of the Milk Thistle [Silybum marianum] - which can reach about 1 to 1 1/2-inches across - can be used like mini artichokes (though the effort is hardly worth the shredded fingers caused by this particularly prickly species) but I haven't ever come across a reference to the seed part you mention.
That's not to say the immature seed part you mention cannot be consumed. The leaf, stems / stalks and roots of C. arvense may all be eaten if cooked so there is a very good chance that the 'nut' you refer to may be. If you decide to go ahead with eating it's important to take things step by step in a controlled procedure to ensure your safety. Even if you manage to down some of the nuts there is nothing I have come across that deals with long term exposure or the after-effects of consuming this particular plant part.
M
Fenlander
16-07-2006, 07:26
Hi ho folks,
Well from recollection the 'nut' of the creeping/field thistle [C. arvense] was not one of those which I could find written confirmation of regarding edibility.
Admittedly the heads of the Milk Thistle [Silybum marianum] - which can reach about 1 to 1 1/2-inches across - can be used like mini artichokes (though the effort is hardly worth the shredded fingers caused by this particularly prickly species) but I haven't ever come across a reference to the seed part you mention.
That's not to say the immature seed part you mention cannot be consumed. The leaf, stems / stalks and roots of C. arvense may all be eaten if cooked so there is a very good chance that the 'nut' you refer to may be. If you decide to go ahead with eating it's important to take things step by step in a controlled procedure to ensure your safety. Even if you manage to down some of the nuts there is nothing I have come across that deals with long term exposure or the after-effects of consuming this particular plant part.
M
My uncle taught me to eat them when I was a child. He said that during the war when he was a child, kids used to eat lots of them. I can find no reference to this either :confused: . I've been eating them for the past 30 years without any obvious effects :rolleyes: ........I've been eating them for the past 30 years without any obvious effects :lmao:
gregorach
16-07-2006, 16:41
Tried 'em the other day - not bad at all! :)
Fenlander
09-08-2006, 21:54
yum I have just tryed them .well you pick up some thing new every day thank you ps do you have eny more jems like that :You_Rock_
Here's one for May next year....
Willow catkins.
The male catkins from different types of willow, seem to have their own unique flavours. One we tried while out with MikeS reminded him of Bakewell tarts. the pollen also gives them a sweet taste.
The female catkins make a good chewing gum.
As with everything......use in moderation!
Fenlander
09-08-2006, 21:56
My uncle taught me to eat them when I was a child. He said that during the war when he was a child, kids used to eat lots of them. I can find no reference to this either :confused: . I've been eating them for the past 30 years without any obvious effects :rolleyes: ........I've been eating them for the past 30 years without any obvious effects :lmao:
I demonstrated these to John and Val Lord at the moot and John told me Ray Mears had taught him to eat them. When i discussed them with Mors, he said he eats the immature seeds as well.
PatrickM
10-08-2006, 07:44
Lay the thistle heads on the embers of the fire for a few seconds...........no prickly fingers. :)
Fenlander
10-08-2006, 07:59
Lay the thistle heads on the embers of the fire for a few seconds...........no prickly fingers. :)
Top tip Patrick :)
benjamin.oneill
18-08-2006, 14:21
i always though thistles were like little spiky artichokes, so there is your artichoke heart.
crazydave
27-08-2006, 01:17
I remember these from various training sources - most thistles have them but they were considered too much hassle for general eating I guess its similar to scraping out rosehips
I was also told that you could peel the leaves and boil them up but never tried it.