Northern Bushcraft

Salsify

Goatsbeard , Oyster Plant
  • roots are edible raw.
  • roots can be dried and ground.
  • roots can be roasted as coffee substitute.
  • young leaves can be eaten raw.
  • young stalks and root crowns can be simmered.
  • varieties in Nunavut are Commom salsify (Tragopogon porrifolius), Yellow salsify (Tragopogon dubius) and Meadow salsify (Tragopogon pratensis).
  • grows in dry, disturbed areas.
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Field Notes
I've had poor experience with the salsify roots that I've gathered locally. Even after cooking, the roots are mostly tough and fibrous - inferior to dandelion roots. Maybe younger plants, a different variety of salsify, or plants collected earlier in the season would be more suitable.
Related topics: Edible Plants of NU - Edible Berries of NU - Edible Mushrooms of NU
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