Coltsfoot (flower)

What is coltsfoot?

Tussilago farfara, commonly called Coltsfoot and sometime misspelled coltfoot, is a plant found in abundance in Quebec, native to Eurasia. Its flower buds are particularly interesting, when freshly picked, they are eaten raw in salads or cooked. Dehydrated, they make excellent herbal teas and are useful for seasoning meals.

What do coltsfoot flowers taste like?

Having a slightly aniseed flavor, they are given a subtle resemblance to liquorice and sometimes to artichoke. Their flavors are aromatic, refined and musky.

Its natural environment?

Coltsfoot is a perennial plant, sometimes confused with dandelion due to its shape and color. This early spring grass is probably the first to flower of the season, so it is essential for feeding bees.

It is considered a weed that can affect certain vegetable crops such as soybeans, cereals, alfalfa and corn. It is found in wet and clayey hilly terrain, on roadsides, in ditches, etc.

* Do not consume during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Sources:

Ministre de l’Agriculture, de l’Alimentation et des Affaires rurales, Ontario

Site : http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/french/crops/facts/coltsfoot.htm

Site : https://pfaf.org