Got More Garlic Mustard?

by: amy kikuchi

Social Media Coordinator, CYBN 
​Amy has a Master of Environmental Science from the University of Toronto and is passionate about harvesting healthy and delicious plants found around Ontario. Check out her website @ ecpickings for more content!

Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) is an invasive plant from Europe that has become one of the most aggressive invasive plants in the area.

It displaces native plants and spreads quickly in almost any environment. They are likely growing in your neighbourhood, your local parks, or even your own garden!

Garlic mustard is a biennial plant, meaning it has a two-year life cycle. In the first year, it grows low to the ground in a rosette 

First year growth of Garlic Mustard in a rosette shape.

shape. In the second year, the plant will grow a long stalk that can reach up to one metre in height, and will have small white flowers with four petals. The leaves are dark green and will smell strongly of garlic when you crush them.

Second year growth of Garlic Mustard with small white flowers.

​The onslaught is intense, but there is a way to counterattack!
 
​Eat them!
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The roots can be used as a substitute for horseradish, and the young leaves have a garlicky, slightly bitter flavour.

I was inspired to make Garlic Mustard pesto after I read "Eating garlic mustard: A tasty way to fight invasive plants". ​

The article includes a simple recipe, which I changed only slightly by blanching the leaves first before putting them in the food processor.

​And it was a success!

​I hope you will also be inspired to try foraging Garlic Mustard. You’ll be getting some free food while helping your local environment!

Garlic Mustard Pesto.

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⁠Disclaimer: Do not consume any wild plant unless you are 100% sure of its identification. Be sure you are picking from non-polluted areas, away from roads, and where no pesticides or other contaminants may have been used. Consult your doctor before consuming wild plants.