GETTING TO KNOW EDIBLE WEEDS
Weeds - persistent, unwelcome, and an inevitable part of gardening. They are pulled, smothered, or poisoned in favour of more desirable plants. Yet, many of these so-called ‘weeds’ are not only edible but also highly nutritious.
Christine Phippen, founder of NZ Wild Greens, never imagined her background in botany and zoology would lead her to champion the value of these overlooked plants. But her fascination with wild greens, as she prefers to call them, began with a simple desire - to add more variety to her green smoothies. For over two decades, Christine has incorporated these plants into her diet, experiencing firsthand the health benefits they offer.
As her knowledge grew, so did her amazement at the nutritional and medicinal properties of wild greens. Combining her scientific expertise with a passion for health, nutrition, plants and sustainable living, she founded NZ Wild Greens. Today, she leads workshops designed to inspire and empower others to identify, harvest, and enjoy the abundance of free, nutrient-rich greens growing all around them.
While the idea of eating weeds may not immediately appeal to everyone, Christine is on a mission to change that perception. Her workshops not only educate but also demonstrate how to incorporate wild greens into everyday meals in delicious and approachable ways. Attendees are often surprised by the flavours and versatility of these plants, with Christine providing samples that showcase their culinary potential.
Beyond their nutritional value, wild greens offer an undeniable practical advantage - they thrive with little effort and are readily available. Unlike cultivated vegetables, which often require careful tending, these plants grow abundantly in the right conditions, making them a sustainable and cost- effective addition to any diet.
Learning to correctly identify wild greens can be a gradual but exciting process. Once familiar with a new plant, it suddenly appears everywhere. Christine’s workshops focus on safe foraging, ensuring participants can confidently recognise edible varieties while avoiding areas treated with chemicals.
Currently, workshops are held in the Puhoi and Hibiscus Coast areas, but Christine is actively seeking spray-free locations to expand her reach. With growing interest in sustainable and foraged foods, NZ Wild Greens is helping more people reconnect with nature’s often-overlooked bounty - one edible weed at a time.