Every spring, Dames rocket fills roadsides, meadows, & forest edges with the prettiest pink flowers that are completely edible! A member of the mustard family, she has a peppery flavor that reminds me of arugula, with a touch of sweetness & nuttiness.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy Dames rocket is before the flowers even open. The little flower buds can be harvested & cooked just like broccoli florets… They are so similar that my kids don’t even notice the difference!
The young spring leaves are yummy too when blended into pesto or cooked with other greens. As the plant matures, the leaves become a bit tough, but can still be enjoyable after cooking.
When the flowers bloom, I can never resist sprinkling them over meals & drinks. They add a soft, peppery bite while turning ~ anything ~ more magical!
Dames rocket doesn’t have any toxic look-alikes. But can often be mistaken for native wild phlox.
So remember this.
Four petals = Dames rocket
Five petals = Wild Phlox
Dames rocket is a highly invasive plant throughout North America. She outcompetes native plants & ruins biodiversity. Harvesting benefits the ecosystem while providing you with a delicious wild edible!
So fill your tables with fresh bouquets, cook the little buds like broccolis, throw in some leaves into your stir fries, & sprinkle the pretty pink flowers over everything !! Deal?
