Dayflower

The Dayflower (Commelina) - also called Scurvy Weed - is an annual herb and got its name because the blooms last for only one day. It is mostly a creeper and has the most beautiful small blue petal.

Many consider the Dayflower to be an invasive weed and a real pest. If only a small root stays behind it can grow again. But this does not bother me at all – I just eat them if they grow too rapidly.

In China and India it is used as a vegetable. The leaves and shoots are edible as well as the seeds. Pick younger shoots if you want to use it in a salad, the older shoots tend to grow harder. Rather minimally cook the older shoots together with other greens. The flowers are also edible and can be added to salads or used to decorate cakes.

The leaves and shoots can be used to cool fevers associated with colds and flu. A recent study on cells from dog kidneys and in live mice found that the common dayflower had a protective effect against the H1N1 influenza A virus.

Contains Vitamins & Minerals - especially high in Vitamin C.