Mallow (Malva spp.) is a hardy herbaceous perennial, with tall hairy stems and open, bold pink flowers. Native to Europe, North Africa and Asia this versatile, nutrient-rich plant has over 3,000 years of culinary and medicinal use.
A historical food source for the poor, all parts of the plant are edible: young leaves are eaten raw in salads or cooked like spinach, flowers are used in teas, salads, and decoration, and the nut-like seeds can be eaten raw or roasted as a coffee substitute. Know in Hebrew and Arabic as ‘bread’ , Greek poet Hesiod (8th century BC) wrote that the rich were “stupid…they know not how much more full the half is than the whole, or how much can be benefited from the mallow.” It remains a staple in traditional dishes such as the Egyptian soup molokhia.
Featured in John Clare's poem, The Village Doctress (1823), it has been regarded as a ‘cure all’ by herbalists throughout the ages; and used for skin inflammations, digestive issues, and respiratory problems. The mucilage acts as a poultice to heal sores, burns, and insect bites. Be warned excessive consumption may cause digestive upset due to its laxative effects!
Can be used to produce a range of natural dyes.
Mallow (Malva spp.) is a hardy herbaceous perennial, with tall hairy stems and open, bold pink flowers. Native to Europe, North Africa and Asia this versatile, nutrient-rich plant has over 3,000 years of culinary and medicinal use.
A historical food source for the poor, all parts of the plant are edible: young leaves are eaten raw in salads or cooked like spinach, flowers are used in teas, salads, and decoration, and the nut-like seeds can be eaten raw or roasted as a coffee substitute. Know in Hebrew and Arabic as ‘bread’ , Greek poet Hesiod (8th century BC) wrote that the rich were “stupid…they know not how much more full the half is than the whole, or how much can be benefited from the mallow.” It remains a staple in traditional dishes such as the Egyptian soup molokhia.
Featured in John Clare's poem, The Village Doctress (1823), it has been regarded as a ‘cure all’ by herbalists throughout the ages; and used for skin inflammations, digestive issues, and respiratory problems. The mucilage acts as a poultice to heal sores, burns, and insect bites. Be warned excessive consumption may cause digestive upset due to its laxative effects!
Can be used to produce a range of natural dyes.
