Heather
Calluna vulgaris — Ericaceae
Italiano: Erica comune — Brughiera
Description
Heather (Calluna vulgaris) belongs to the Ericaceae family and is native to Europe. It thrives in Heathland, Moorland, Bogs, Open scrub environments across regions including UK, Scandinavia, Ireland, Central Europe. Botanically, Heather is heather flowers honey plant. Leaves calming tea. Flowers for beer wine flavoring historic.. It is also known locally as Brughiera. The edible parts include Flowers, Leaves. With an edibility rating of 5/10, it ranks as a moderate wild food source. Harvesting is best done during August, July and September. Nutritionally, Heather stands out for its Vitamin C (5.0mg, 6% DV), Vitamin K (5.0mg, 4% DV) and Vitamin E (0.3mg, 2% DV). It also provides 1.0g protein and 2.0g dietary fiber per 100g serving. In the kitchen, Heather offers a Mild honey flavor profile. Flowers honey tea leaves minor. Common culinary applications include flower tea, honey, beer flavoring. Popular preparations include Heather tea, Heather honey, Heather ale, Sauteed greens with garlic. For storage, dried 12mo. Safety note: No toxicity. Antinutrient content is tannins mild. Always verify identification with at least three independent botanical sources before consumption.
🌿 Foraging Tips
🍳 Recipe: Heather tea
This is one of the traditional ways to prepare this wild edible plant. Always ensure proper plant identification before cooking.
Edibility
Harvest Calendar
Nutrition (per 100g)
Culinary Uses: flower tea, honey, beer flavoring Storage: Dried 12mo
Recipes
- Heather tea
- Heather honey
- Heather ale
- Sauteed greens with garlic
- Wild green pesto
- Leafy green soup
- Wild winter pesto made from Heather
- Traditional Heather soup
