6 Cattails or bulrush are semi-aquatic, perennial plants and most parts are edible. Their starchy rhizomes are nutritious, and their narrow leaf shoots can be eaten raw. Their flowers can be eaten like corn-on-the-cob.

Scientifically called Typha, it is a common plant across the Northern Hemisphere. They are most commonly known as “cattails” or “bulrush.” It was discovered almost 30,000 years ago that the rhizomes of these plants were edible through the preserved starch grains found on the grinding stones in Europe. They are nutritious and have a high protein content. They are highly fibrous and the starch must be scrapped or sucked out from the rough fiber. However, one must be careful because if these are grown in polluted water, they can be infected with pesticides and lead and should not be consumed.

While the plant is young, the outer portion can be peeled and the heart can be eaten raw. The leaves too of the early ones can be eaten raw or cooked. Once the flower spike turns greenish, the sheath is removed and eaten like a corn cob. Also, its roots are edible and can be boiled, steamed, or fried. The pollen collected from the mature, male flower can be used as a flour supplement or thickener. (source)

7 The inner bark of most trees called “cambium” are edible. and they are rich in nutrients. They can be eaten raw, boiled, or fried. They are usually repurposed as a flour for baking and making loaves of bread.

The inner layer of the bark of the tree that lies between the hardwood and the rough outer bark called “cambium” is actually edible. It is that part of the trunk that is soft, moist, and growing healthy. The cambium of most trees is edible. It is greenish-yellow or yellow in color, and the cambium layer has medical benefits too. Beech-bark tea can help in curing lung problems. The apple tree bark is used to cure fever and diarrhea, while cedar barks are used to treat headaches, colds, and congestions.

They can be used in food preparation too. There are various ways one can consume this inner bark of the tree. It can be used to prepare bark tea. It can be chewed raw like gum or grated it into strips, fried, and eaten crunchy. They can also be boiled to soften the texture and then tapped for its juices. However, it is most widely used in its powdered form which is used for making loaves of bread or baking much like a flour. Mostly a survival food, too much consumption of cambium can lead to stomach upset, so it’s advised to have it in moderation. (1, 2)

8 Kudzu is a flowering vine that grows abundantly in Japan and Southeast Asia. Its root contains starch which is used in baking, and its flowers are used to make jelly. It is a medicinal herb too.

Kudzu is a vine on trellises and a common sight in Asia and the Pacific islands are actually edible and relished. It is called the “Japanese arrow” and is used widely in its cuisine. Its roots contain starch that is used as a food ingredient in most of East Asia. They can be used as a substitute for cornstarch and also as a sauce thickener. Their flowers are used to make jelly. Also, the kudzu vine has been used in East Asia for centuries to make herbal tea.

It has many medicinal properties too and has its uses in Chinese medicines. Its roots, flowers, and leaves are used to make medicines. It can treat simple symptoms like dizziness, hangover, and vomiting, and is also used in treatments of chest pain, high blood pressure, and irregular heartbeat. Kudzu can help cure flu, the common cold, and even swine flu. (1, 2)

9 Dandelions found in abundance are actually edible, and their leaves are used in salads. They are rich in Vitamins A, C, K and are a good source of iron, calcium, and potassium. However, they should be grown organically if they are intended to be used for food.

Dandelions are a part of the Taraxacum, a large genus of flowering plants. They are wildflowers found in abundance in Europe and the USA and are entirely edible. The roots, flowers, stems, and leaves of dandelions are edible. This short-lived plant’s leaves are blanched to remove bitterness or sauteed as we do with spinach to maximize its flavor. Its flower petals are used to make dandelion wine, and its roots are roasted to prepare caffeine-free, dandelion coffee. Besides the above, in Britain, dandelion was used to make a soft drink called “Dandelion and Burdock.” Also, the elite of the Victorian era used dandelions in their sandwiches and salads.

Dandelion leaves contain Vitamins A, C, K and a are a good source of calcium, potassium, and iron. The flowers contain a high level of antioxidants and are used as an anti-inflammatory. Dandelion has many medical properties and is used to prepare medicines too. For over a thousand years, it has been used as a medical plant to treat inflammation, sore throat, cysts, and abscess. It is commercially cultivated for its uses, but the wild-growing ones are considered as a nuisance. (source)

10 Powdered eggshells are not only edible but a great source of calcium and other elements like strontium and fluorine. Studies show that it helps to reduce osteoporosis, pain, and increases mobility and bone density.

Eggs are known to be the best source of calcium and are used widely. However, the eggshells too have immense calcium and are used in powdered form for consumption. The grounded eggshell is a useful source of calcium and other essential elements like strontium and fluorine. It has medical benefits too.

An experimental and clinical study performed on postmenopausal women and those with osteoporosis showed that the use of powdered eggshell helped to reduce the pain, bone loss, and improved bone density and mobility. The powdered eggshells can be sprinkled on food like pizza and pasta too to improve its edibility and taste. (1, 2)

11 Rich in potassium and other vitamins and minerals, chrysanthemum leaves and flowers are edible and make for a good salad, herbal tea, and wine too.

Chrysanthemums derive their name from the Greek word crysos, meaning gold, and anthemon, which means flower. They originated and are found in abundance in East Asia. Along with its aesthetic beauty, these flowers can be consumed too. The yellow- and white-flowered chrysanthemums are used to make traditional Chinese tea. In South Korea, the flowers are used to make wine. Its leaves, too, are edible and are used widely in Chinese cuisines either steamed or boiled. Also, the Japanese use these flowers as a garnish in sashimi.

It also has many medical properties too. The flower is used to treat chest pain and high blood pressure. It is also used to soothe our senses and helps with healing tiredness, headache, and dizziness. (1, 2)