Content
- Is the red carnation edible?
- Use of the red carnation
- Red carnation contains saponins
- Do not confuse red carnation with other carnations
- Tips
Leaves, flowers and seeds of the carnation are often eaten
Is the red carnation edible?
Primarily on damp meadows, in light deciduous forests as well as on forest edges this summer green, krautige plant with their strikingly red to pink-red blooms is to be found. Sometimes the carnation is also cultivated in gardens, because it looks very beautiful, especially in combination with other carnations. Little is known, however, that the leaves of the red carnation are edible.
Use of the red carnation
For centuries, the pounded seeds of the plant were used in folk medicine against snake bites, from the roots, in turn, could produce a soap-like substance, which was actually used for cleaning. In some regions, the young leaves of the red carnation have been (and are still sometimes) harvested as part of salads or soups.
Red carnation contains saponins
However, these leaves contain saponins, which can have irritating skin and stomach irritant effects. In addition, the leaves taste slightly bitter, which intensifies in the course of the year - with the annual run, the content of these bitter substances increases sharply. For this reason, it is advisable to eat only the young leaves in the spring. Sensitive persons and pregnant women and people with kidney problems or rheumatism should refrain from a pleasure rather.
Do not confuse red carnation with other carnations
But before you run into the garden and try fresh carnation leaves, make sure that it is actually red carnation. Other carnations, such as the Vexiernelke or Burning Love are either not edible or taste very good. Incidentally, in addition to the red carnation, the white carnation (Silene latifolia) is also edible.
Tips
The flowers of the red and white carnation are also very beautiful in a colorful summer salad - especially in combination with other edible flowers such as nasturtium, borage or evening primrose.