Welcome to today's episode of Travels with Plants. In this session, we’re taking a closer look at dock seed, an often under appreciated yet incredibly useful plant that many overlook.
Instead of waiting months to compile all my research, I thought I'd offer you these shorter, bite-sized recordings.
Today, I’m exploring broadleaf dock, Rumex obtusifolius, focusing on its seeds, which are abundant right now in early September.
Many people know dock as the go-to plant for nettle stings, but its seeds hold a wealth of possibilities, both in the kitchen and as medicine.
I’ll guide you through the simple process of harvesting and roasting the seeds, which enhances their nutty, earthy flavours.
And I’ll also touch on the seeds' traditional medicinal uses, like treating diarrhoea and drawing out infections from wounds.
As always, I encourage you to slow down, take a closer look, and maybe even use a botanical magnifying glass, called a loupe, to fully appreciate the architecture of these tiny seeds.
Let me know how you’ve experimented with dock seed in the comments section. Until next time, enjoy your wild harvest!
