I just noticed the smooth leaves of wild garlic appearing this week in my garden and alongside the footpaths in the South Downs National Park.
Perfect timing to detoxify and improve health!
Wild garlic is one of the most potent seasonal plans we have in the UK. It’s naturally anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and supportive for the immune system, making it especially helpful during times of coughs, colds, and chest infections.
It also supports the gut microbiome, can help the body rebalance after illness, and has traditionally been used to support digestion and even address parasitic infections. Its delicate white flowers are thought to support cholesterol balance and blood pressure.
Early Celtic healers called it herba salutaris – the healing herb.
Wild garlic is wonderfully versatile. It can be eaten raw in pestos, salsa verde, guacamole and salads, and cooked – sautéed with some oil, mixed into omelettes, fish marinade, and cooked into soups. I have even seen a wild garlic “kimchi” recipe featuring fermented garlic leaves!
My son has just picked a big bunch of wild garlic, and I made this simple delicious soup. According to my children, it was the “best soup ever”, which is always a good sign.
Wild garlic soup recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 big bunches of wild garlic, chopped (flowers can be used for decorating the finished soup or added to other dishes)
- 2 large carrots, chopped
- 2 large sweet potatoes, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper
- 1 litre filter water
- 1-2 cubes chicken or vegetable stock
- 3 tbsp olive or coconut oil
Method:
- Saute onion, carrots and potatoes for appx 5 mins.
- Add 1L stock and cook for 20 mins.
- Add wild garlic leaves and leave in the brew for 2-3 mins.
- Blend everything together, add salt and pepper to taste.
- And Enjoy!
A simple way to support Your health
Seasonal, local foods like wild garlic are one of the simplest ways to support your immune system, gut health, and overall wellbeing in spring.
If you live in or around Petersfield or Hampshire, you’ll often find wild garlic growing abundantly in spring – a reminder that some of the most powerful support for our health is often right on our doorstep.
