Here he here he! There is a wild supermarket...open all year!

Cattail Casserole

To Prepare:
Scrape the bud material from the core of two large cattail, mix with a few other ingredients and bake for 25 minutes. A guaranteed hit for nature lovers, just be sure to brush off the bugs before hand. The truth is our tastes tend to be a little eccentric. In Morocco they eat camel and herbs from the desert, in Japan they hunt whale and the Chinese like dog. Eyeballs and brain are a delicacy all across the world and people have conventions where nothing but bugs are spiced and sampled!! For cryin out loud don't tell me a little cattail casserole has your panties in a bunch. But, Ill be shocked if grandma ever made ya that recipe!

Well, the truth about nature is a that there are so many great secrets to be discovered. The thing is, none of it is really a secret; we just don't tend to know about the great possibilities nature offers in the field of sustenance! Instead, we only have time for grocery store runs that offer long-lines, Doritos and a bad headache. Maybe just once trying some teas made from Mullein or pine needles could show you the benefits of free and wild food products.

So those large cigar looking plants actually have many uses. Considering that it is a distant relative of corn could explain its The US has two types, the thick cattail, called Typha latifolia and the thinner species Typha augustifolia. It was a staple for the Native Americans for its high nutritiousness and ease to harvest. The heart of the cattail can be used by peeling the shoot. It can be added to salads, soups or stirfrys adding a surprisingly fresh crunch.
The flowery head of the male is a hearty and filling green that can be sauteed or steamed in any way that pleases you. It is one of the greatest sources of protein and calories for vegetarians.
When the flowers ripen they produce a pollen that is a great energy, protein, enzyme and mineral source. People pay top-price for small bottles of the stuff from health food stores, when really you can take a Sunday drive in the right season and harvest some of your own.
The fur has been used to line clothing materials and pillows, like down. The Native Americans used it to start fires, make diapers and provide bedding. Today we have used it to fill life vests.
The rootstock can be used to increase urination, and turned into a jelly that is good for surface inflammations, sores, wounds and burns.
This is one plant that leaves much to the curious researcher. It's definitely worth dippin your nose into the nature shop every once in a while. She stores everything from hallucinogens to spices. And its a great place for windowless shopping and browsing. It'll only cost you time.