How to Eat Comfrey

Initially mistaken for as a common weed, the comfrey plant has been used as a medicinal aid for stomach ailments, external inflammation and gastrointestinal problems for several years. The flowering green plant is native to England and prevalent throughout the United Kingdom, although its nutrient-rich properties can be found in widely distributed herbal supplements. While certain considerations should be taken before the consumption of comfrey in any form, this plant can essentially be used as a substitute for spinach in any dish. Preparing comfrey leaves for consumption can be done by culinary experts and amateur cooks alike.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Cultivated comfrey leaves
• Knife
• 2 tbsp. butter
• Garlic clove

Instructions

How To Eat Comfrey

1. Rinse the raw comfrey leaves thoroughly under cool water, being sure any dirt or sediment is completely washed away. Place the cleansed leaves in a colander or drain them on a paper towel.

2. Use a sharp knife to cut the root from the comfrey plant, removing the stems as well. Dispose of both the root and stems.

3. Stack four comfrey leaves on top of one another and roll the stack into a tight cylindrical shape. Chop the comfrey cylinder in half-inch increments until completely shredded. Add the finely shredded comfrey leaves to any raw salad or as another leafy green addition and/or substitution to paninis, submarine or bagel sandwiches.

4. Prepare the raw comfrey leaves in the fashion of classic sauteed spinach. Place 20 cleansed comfrey leaves in a medium skillet with 2 tbsp. of butter, one chopped garlic clove and salt to taste. Saute the comfrey leaves over medium to high heat, stirring frequently, for five to seven minutes or until the leaves are tender. Serve immediately.

5. Immediately refrigerate any leftovers in a sealed storage container.

Tips & Warnings

• Chop the raw comfrey leaves as indicated in Step 3 and add to scrambled eggs, omelets, hot soups or stews as a natural vitamin B12, calcium and iron enhancement.

• Although there have been numerous studies and debates regarding the safety of comfrey as an edible (especially for pregnant women), cultivated comfrey leaves are prized by many herbalists for their medicinal and nutritional benefits. Educate yourself about the potential risks and benefits of the comfrey plant before preparing a dish for consumption for you or others.

References

• Properties of the Comfrey Plant
• Comfrey Plant Safety

Resources

• Learn More About Comfrey Leaves and Food Preparation
• Purchase Organic Comfrey Plants