
Sonchus sp..
Family: Asteraceae
Pūhā or Sow thistle, is a common ‘weed’ throughout New Zealand. It is also found in the United Kingdom and Europe. It can be confused with dandelion as they both have yellow flowers and similar looking leaves. It has a classic blue/green/grey look to the leaves that really defines it as pūhā. There are many different species, and all of them are edible.
Time to harvest: Spring to mid summer
Nutrition: Rich in Vitamin C (the same amount as oranges)
Recipes: Pickled puha, boil up, spring greens wild pesto, pickle the flowerbud like capers, on your pizza, in a smoothie.
How to prepare:
Generally it’s best to rub the leaves together and bruise them to reduce the bitterness. If you are using an older plant, then just use the leaves. Bruise the stalk and let out some of the white sap, under the tap. Aparently the sap has been collected by Māori, left to dry and used as a chewing gum.
Yellow flower of Pūhā and unopened flower buds. Silvery grey underside. Strong white midrib, leaves shaped dandelion-ish. Distinctive white sap from stem. Bunch of leaves Leaves attaching to stalk
References:
Cooper,R.C, Brooker, S.G, Cambie, R.C. (1987) New Zealand Medicinal Plants. Auckland, NZ: Reed.
Crowe, A. (2004). A Field Guide to the Native Edible Plants of New Zealand. Rosedale,Northshore, NZ: Penguin
Fiso, M.(2020) Hiakai. Modern Māori Cuisine. New Zealand:Penguin
Knox, J.(2021) The Forager’s Treasury. Allen & Unwin, Auckland, NZ.
https://www.eatweeds.co.uk/sowthistle-sonchus-spp