In times of uncertainty or scarcity, we suddenly realize how disconnected we’ve become from our natural surroundings. Meanwhile, in the world’s “Blue Zones” — areas where people live remarkably long and healthy lives — one of the common secrets is beautifully simple: eating what grows around you.
People in these regions follow a mostly plant-based diet.
No ultra-processed foods, no daily portions of meat. Just vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans — and yes, plants picked straight from their own gardens.
It may sound old-fashioned.
But it works.
And it’s surprisingly easy to apply, even in the Netherlands.
Edible Plants You Can Find in Gardens and Local Parks
Even in your own backyard or nearby green spaces, far more edible plants exist than most people realize. Here are safe, commonly found examples:
Leaves & Stems
Nettle (Brandnetel)
Great for tea or as a spinach alternative when cooked.
Dandelion (Paardenbloem)
Leaves work well in salads; the root can be roasted as a coffee substitute.
Wild Garlic (Daslook)
Mild garlic flavor, perfect for pesto or soups.
Sorrel (Zuring)
Fresh, sour leaves ideal for salads and sauces.
Plantain (Weegbree)
Mild leafy green suitable for soups, stews, or stir-fries.
Flowers
Nasturtium (Oost-Indische kers)
Peppery, colorful, and fully edible.
Calendula & Violets (Goudsbloem & Viooltjes)
Great for garnish and mild flavoring.
Borage (Komkommerkruid)
Leaves and flowers with a fresh, cucumber-like taste.
Fruits & Seeds
Blackberries, Raspberries, Sea Buckthorn, Rosehips
Loaded with vitamins — great for jam, tea, syrups, or straight off the plant.
Roots & Tubers
Burdock Root (Grote klis)
Nutritious and earthy, excellent in stews.
Dandelion Root
Roast it as a caffeine-free coffee alternative.
Water Plants
Watercress (Waterkers)
Peppery and nutrient-rich — ideal for salads or soup.
Samphire (Zeekraal)
Naturally salty, packed with minerals.
From Crisis to Creativity
A crisis — strangely enough — can also create space for rediscovery and creativity.
You don’t need to be a wilderness expert to nourish yourself and your family with what nature freely offers.
So put on your jacket, step into your garden or the nearest park, and look at the greenery with new eyes.
You may be surprised by what ends up on your plate tonight.
And remember: always verify plants carefully before eating them.