maize dog grass , also known as cattail or Typha , is a eccentric of wetland plant that grow in marshes , swamps , and along the edge of ponds and lakes . These grandiloquent , slender reeds can reach elevation of up to 10 foot and are well recognizable by their distinctive cylindrical shape , resembling a corn whisky dog on a stick .
The name “ corn whiskey wiener dope ” is a playful term I habituate to describe this plant because of its unique appearance . The cylindrical seed head or “ catkin ” at the top of the industrial plant resemble a corn blackguard on a spliff , with the brownish fluffy component part representing the cornmeal slugger and the elongated stalk representing the stick . This impulsive equivalence append a touch of fun to my appreciation of this versatile plant .
Cattails have been used by world for centuries due to their many practical uses and nutritional value . Every part of the cattail can be go through , making it a in truth remarkable wild comestible plant life . Here ’s a breakdown of the unlike parts of the cattail and their utilization :
1 . Shoots : In early spring , before the cum head teacher develop , cattail shoots can be harvested and eaten . These shoots are tender and have a mild flavor , similar to asparagus . They can be cooked or eaten raw in salad .
2 . Pollen : When the cattail ’s flowers bloom , they secrete a amercement , golden pollen . This pollen is extremely alimental and can be collected by shaking the seed heads into a container . It can be used as a flour reserve in baking or impart to smoothy for an added nutritional boost .
3 . Stalks : The privileged portion of the cattail stalks , also known as the substance , can be peeled and eat raw or cooked . They have a mild , slimly sweet discernment and a frosty grain . The outer fibrous layer of the angry walk can be used to make cordage or weave into baskets .
4 . peak : The yellowish - unripened flowers of the cattail can be boiled or steam and eaten as a veg . They have a slimly daft flavor and can be a tasty improver to soups and stir - fries .
5 . Roots : The roots of the cattail are perhaps the most well - know and widely used part of the works . They can be harvested in the fall or early leap and can be eaten raw , boil , or laugh at . Cattail etymon are high in amylum and can be travail into flour for baking or used as a thickening agent in soups and stews .
In add-on to its culinary usance , cattail also have pragmatic applications . The leaves of the plant can be used to make mats , thatch for roof , or even woven into hats and baskets . The dry seed heads can be used as rude fervor starters due to their fluffy , flammable nature .
One of my personal experiences with cattails take foraging for them during a camping trip . I recall carefully foregather the shoot , pollen , and roots , and using them to produce a delicious and nourishing meal over an open fire . It was a rewarding experience to connect with nature and rely on the teemingness of the land for sustenance .
Corn click grass , or cattail , is a versatile and alimental wild eatable flora . Its various parts can be consumed throughout the year , provide nutriment in unlike season . From the shoot to the roots , each part offer up singular flavors and nutritionary benefits . So , the next time you come across these tall reeds with their corn whiskey hotdog - like coming into court , consider the theory they hold as a toothsome and sustainable food source .
Caroline Bates
