Is Miner’s Lettuce Edible: How To Grow Claytonia Miner’s Lettuce

by johnah on November 25, 2020

What Is Miner’s Lettuce?

Miner’s lettuce is a type of leafy green plant which grows naturally in the United States and Canada. It was named after William Henry “Bill” Miners, who discovered it while searching for gold in California in 1849. The plant is native to Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, New Mexico and Utah.

The leaves are dark green with small white spots at their tips (or veins). They have a mild flavor and are used in salads, sandwiches, soups and stews.

Miner’s lettuce is not considered edible but it is sometimes eaten raw or cooked like spinach. It can also be dried for use as a salad dressing.

How Does Miner’s Lettuce Work?

It is believed that the leaves contain chlorophyll which gives them their bright color and helps fight off disease-causing microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria and fungi. The chlorophyll in the leaves helps prevent water loss when the plants are submerged in water.

In addition, it may protect against sunburn and burns. It also acts as a natural insect repellent because of its scent.

Is Miner’s Lettuce Safe For You To Eat?

Yes! Miner’s lettuce is safe to eat if properly prepared. It contains no pesticides or herbicides so it is free from possible harmful effects.

How Do You Consume Miner’s Lettuce?

Miner’s lettuce is used in salads, sandwiches, soups and stews but it can be eaten raw or boiled. It can either be eaten as-is or dried for future use.

Where Can You Find Miner’s Lettuce?

While miner’s lettuce can be grown in your backyard, it is best to purchase from a reliable farm or supermarket because of possible contamination by harmful chemicals.

Sources & references used in this article:

Oxalate content of miner’s lettuce irrigated with water or fertilizer solutions by M Kanala, GP Savage – 2016 – researcharchive.lincoln.ac.nz

Deciphering Prehistoric Plant Use at the Mazatzal Rest Area in the Upper Tonto Basin of Eastern Arizona by VL Bohrer – 1998 – repository.arizona.edu

Claytonia parviflora-New Crop Summary & Recommendations by K Schanus – 2012 – conservancy.umn.edu

Plant Profile by J Toews – Aquilegia, 2018 – epublications.regis.edu

Vascular Plants of Bear Valley (Colusa County, California) by JP Smith Jr – 2018 – digitalcommons.humboldt.edu

Walker Ridge and Bear Valley by JP Smith Jr – 2018 – digitalcommons.humboldt.edu

USEFUL PLANTS AND POISONOUS PLANTS by WE Plants – survivalschool.us

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