Its green but is it edible?

[Lancashire_Lass]

Its lurking next to my Aubrietia, probably from seeds sown last year that somehow survived all the rain.
I've had a tiny nibble but I don't recognise the taste.
Anyone know what it could be?

[veggiechicken]

Its looks a bit like spinach or chard? Did you sow those last year?
Welcome to the Grapevine

[alldigging]

It looks like my spinach beet which is coming back to life.

[Lancashire_Lass]

Thank you for the welcome Veggiechicken :-)

I don't know about the Chard as I can't find any packets but I have just found a part used packet of Perpetual Spinach (Leaf Beet) but the photo on the packet does not look like what has grown.

I'm a newbie grower so have only seen spinach in supermarket plastic bags up to now and this looks and tastes nothing like that.
This tastes bitter
Could it be the Leaf Beet?
Maybe its worth boiling some up?
or should I just chuck it on the compost and start again?

[Lancashire_Lass]

Ahhh! Alldigging, I had left my PC mid post so I didn't see your post until after I posted my last message but it looks like the mystery is solved.
Do you just use it like a salad leaf or cook it like a veg?

[veggiechicken]

You could probably eat the small young leaves raw but otherwise, cook it like cabbage/spinach.

[Lancashire_Lass]

Knob of butter, drop of water, pinch of salt and on the table later :-)
Thank you both x

[veggiechicken]

Sounds perfect, LL - Enjoy

[alldigging]

Its mostly too chewy to eat raw - the younger leaves are ok but cook like spinach. Curry it!

[wizzbang]

Is its root edible like beetroot?

[alldigging]

Is its root edible like beetroot?

No.

There's not much root on the ones I've pulled out recently to move.

[rustylady]

Is its root edible like beetroot?

No Lynne, it's grown for the leaves, same as chard.

[vikkib]

I use the young leaves for salad but as has been mentioned the older leaves are best cooked.

You're doing well, mine's bolting already!

[Snadger]

Is its root edible like beetroot?

If its got a good root it could be celtuce!

[rustylady]

Do be careful eating things if you don't know what they are