Primrose Primula vulgaris

The first primroses flower around Easter time, although I have known them flower in December! They have pretty yellow flowers with rather wrinkly looking leaves. Primroses are more often than not found in gardens or close to human dwellings rather than in the wild these days. The reason for this is that humans used to love them so much that they would dig them up, pick them and use the plant to make a traditional country wine. This is now not the done thing and can lead to a fine and prosecution. Even if this was not the case, the primrose should be left for everyone to enjoy and if you want to use any part then why not grow some which come from a garden centre? If you want to find some wild specimens look carefully in woodlands and the banks of streams and ditches.

FLOWERS – the flowers are mainly used to make wine with, or crystallise for cake decoration. The most enjoyable way of using them is to eat them straight from the plant, or add them to salads.

LEAVES – these too can be eaten, although they can be a little tough so the preferred method in most cases is to boil them up first.

EDIBLE PARTS – the whole plant can be used. But it is important to ID it correctly, and please do not confuse the leaves with those of the Foxglove Digitalis purpurea, which is highly toxic and can cause death if consumed.