Jack by the hedge

Jack by the hedge; otherwise known as hedge garlic or garlic mustard is in abundance in the hedgerows at the moment.  It towers over almost everything else except perhaps the hogweed.  Its distinctive leaf pattern makes it easy to spot and the leaves are edible and FREE!


When crushed or torn the leaves give off a very faint smell of garlic.


The tender leaves at the top of the plant can be eaten raw as a salad leaf.  I have used the larger leaves sautéed with wild garlic roots in a bit of butter and then with some cream added.  A bit of seasoning (I prefer white pepper instead of black) and a garnish of chopped wild garlic leaves and you're done!  A yummy starter and all you pay for is the cream, butter and seasoning!


I found this lovely example on the dog walk this morning.