Has anyone ever grown greens from the tops of carrots, beets, parsnips, turnips, etc? I have had a lot of success with this, and you can also use it to harvest the seeds, if you are buying/growing organic produce. Let me explain:
When buying your produce from the grocery store, always try to buy root vegetables that still have the greens on them, or at least, still have the tops on them. Cut the greens off to use in salads, smoothies, etc. and then cut the top 1/2 - 1 inch of the root vegetable off, and put it in dirt, and water! Soon, you will have new greens growing from the tops of the vegetables! You can use this method to harvest the greens, or let them grow and go to seed to harvest the seeds. I have not tested this out for a second season to see if the seeds produce good crops (if you grow the veggies yourself, I bet there’s a better chance of getting a good harvest), but it is something I plan on experimenting with. This would also be a good way to cut down on waste (although the waste is good for the compost too). The greens of veggies are very healthy (especially beet greens!) and are often overlooked and thrown out with the compost, but don’t forget the vitamins and minerals that are packed in them! Some greens are thought to be toxic, but it’s only in very large amounts, so it’s safe and healthy if you eat a variety, as with a lot of foods.
This is just a fun thing to do with the tops of carrots and beets and such. It would be a good activity for kids too!
-emily
more info:
Secondary edible parts of common garden vegetables-
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/extension/newsletters/vpmnews/apr02/art4apr.html
Grow a carrot top-
http://www.weekendgardener.net/2007/09/grow-carrot-top.htm
(the above method should work for most root vegtables)
Green Smoothies-
http://www.emaxhealth.com/14/1182.html
(notice how they give a recipe with forageables and call them “weeds”!! haha)
Have fun!
