Introduction
Cattails are wetland plants with long strap-like leaves that grow in dense stands in marshes and on the edges of ponds throughout much of the world. Often considered a nuisance weed, the cattail is actually a versatile food source that has been used by humans for thousands of years.
Almost every part of the cattail plant is edible if harvested at the right time. The starchy shoots, young leaves, and pollen can all be eaten. Cattail roots can even be dried and ground into flour. With a bit of knowledge, the cattail transitions from a plant to avoid to a nutritious wild food ready for harvest.
This guide will cover identifying edible cattails, when to harvest the various parts of the plant, and methods for harvesting, cleaning, and preparing the edible portions. Follow these steps and you’ll learn the foraging skills necessary to take advantage of this generous weed’s bounty.
Identifying Edible Cattails
When foraging for cattails, it’s crucial to be able to distinguish the edible common cattail (Typha latifolia) from non-edible varieties like the narrowleaf cattail (Typha angustifolia). The most identifiable features of the common cattail are:
- The stalks grow up to 2.5 meters tall.
- The leaves are 0.7-1.5 cm wide.
- The male and female flower spikes are separated by 5-10 cm.
- The male spike is brown, slim and positioned above the female spike.
- The female spike is greenish or brown, shorter and much thicker than the male.
Here are some photos that can aid in identification:
The separated male (top) and female (bottom) flower spikes of the common cattail. (Source: https://extension.umn.edu/natural-resources-news/wild-edibles-cattails)
A common cattail plant with the classic elongated leaves and separated spikes. (Source: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/water-plants/cattails/edible-parts-of-cattail.htm)
When to Harvest
The optimal time to harvest cattails is in the spring before the flower heads have started forming pollen. The immature flower heads of freshly sprouted cattails are the edible parts you want to harvest. You can identify the immature flower heads at the top of the stalk as a cigar-shaped green spike. Avoid harvesting cattails once the flower head starts turning brown and releasing pollen, as the quality deteriorates quickly after this point.
You can also harvest cattails in the fall after the pollen has blown away. However, the texture may be more fibrous at this stage. The spring heads are more tender. For the best quality and taste, focus your foraging efforts in the springtime when the young shoots are sprouting up.
Harvesting Cattail Shoots
Cattail shoots should be harvested in early spring when they are young and tender. Look for shoots that are around 1 to 2 feet tall and cut them near the base of the plant right above the rootstalk using a sharp knife or pruning shears.[1] Be careful not to pull the shoots out, as this can damage the root system.
Only harvest 1 or 2 shoots from each cattail stalk, and leave several shoots on each plant to allow for regeneration. Cattails spread rapidly, so harvesting conservatively allows the stands to persist year after year. Take no more than 1/4 of the shoots from any cattail stand to ensure its continued growth.
Cleaning and Preparing Shoots
A fresh cattail shoot needs to be cleaned and prepared before cooking. Start by removing the tough outer green layers and the dried brown sheaths around the shoot. Peel off these fibrous layers to reveal the edible white inner core of the shoot.
Once peeled, rinse the shoots thoroughly under cool running water. This helps get rid of any debris or dirt. Then, cut off the bottoms of the shoots, right below where the edible white portion ends. Cut the shoots into segments or slices, based on how you plan to cook them.
Some sources recommend soaking the peeled and cut shoots in water for 30-60 minutes before cooking to remove any bitterness (Masterclass). Change the water once or twice during soaking. Drain and rinse the shoots again before cooking.
Cooking Shoots
Cattail shoots can be prepared in several ways once harvested and cleaned. Some popular cooking methods include:
Boiling
Boiling cattail shoots for 5-10 minutes until tender is a simple and quick cooking method. Be sure not to overcook them or they can become slimy. Drain and season boiled shoots with salt, pepper, butter or olive oil.
Steaming
Steaming cattail shoots for 3-5 minutes is another fast, easy preparation. It helps retain color and texture better than boiling. Season steamed shoots with fresh herbs, lemon, salt and pepper.
Sautéing
Sauté chopped cattail shoots in olive oil or butter over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned. Garlic, shallots or onions can be sautéed first to add flavor. Season with salt, pepper and herbs or spices.
Cattail shoots pair well with lemon, dill, parsley, garlic, olive oil and butter. Go easy on seasoning as the shoots have a mild flavor.
Harvesting Cattail Pollen
Cattails produce an abundance of golden yellow pollen that can be harvested and used as a nutritious flour substitute in recipes. To harvest cattail pollen, it’s important to identify and collect the male flower heads when they are filled with pollen.
Male flower heads will grow above the female flower heads on a tall stalk. The male flowers will start to open from the top down, releasing pollen. The ideal time to harvest is when the top quarter of the male head has opened and pollen is visible, but before much pollen is lost.
To collect the pollen, cover the top of the male flower head with a plastic bag and shake it gently to release the pollen into the bag. It’s best to tap and shake the flower head over a bucket to catch any pollen that escapes the bag. Once the pollen is harvested, sift and clean it thoroughly to remove any debris before use in cooking or baking.
Cattail pollen has a short shelf life and is best used immediately after harvesting. Properly dried and stored pollen can last up to a few months when kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer. Always check for freshness before using older pollen.
Using Cattail Pollen
Cattail pollen is very nutritious and has been used as a flour substitute by many cultures over the years. It contains high amounts of protein, with about 32% protein content by weight. Cattail pollen is also rich in unsaturated fats like linoleic acid and linolenic acid, as well as various vitamins and minerals like calcium, potassium, and phosphorus. Some research suggests cattail pollen may have anti-inflammatory effects as well (Cooking with Cattail Pollen – YouTube).
The pollen can be used as a flour substitute in baking. It has a sweet, corn-like taste when cooked. You can substitute about 20% of regular flour with cattail pollen in recipes for pancakes, muffins, breads, and pastries. Cattail pollen adds nutrition and a mildly sweet flavor. Some people mix the pollen into yogurt or use it as a coating for wild berries. It can also be used to thicken soups and stews when blended with liquid. For a simple pancake recipe using cattail pollen, check out this site: Cooking with Cattail | Southwest Backcountry – WordPress.com.
Other Edible Parts
In addition to the shoots, pollen, and stems, cattails have several other edible parts:
Rhizomes: The starchy rhizomes can be eaten raw, boiled, or roasted. They generally have a sweet, nutty flavor. Rhizomes are best harvested in early spring or late fall. Make sure to peel off the outer fibrous layer before eating the white interior. Some compare the taste to potatoes.
Cattail Hearts: The core of the plant, known as the heart, can be harvested in early spring before the leaves emerge. It is tender and crunchy with a taste similar to cucumber. Cattail hearts can be eaten raw or cooked. They are rich in nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and phosphorus.
Pickling Flower Buds: The immature green flower buds can be pickled and used like capers. Pick them when they are still tightly closed. Then pickle them in a brine solution for a few weeks before eating. The pickled buds have a slight spicy, mustard-like flavor.
Cite: https://www.therusticelk.com/how-to-eat-cattails/
Foraging Safely and Sustainably
When foraging for cattails, it’s important to be a responsible forager and think about sustainability. Here are some tips:
Get permission from landowners before foraging on private property. Many nature preserves also prohibit removing plants. Be sure to check rules and regulations for the location (Grow Forage Cook Ferment).
Scout the area beforehand looking for contamination from runoff, pollution, or chemicals that could taint the plants. Avoid roadsides and industrial areas (Chelsea Green).
Only harvest what you need and leave some plants behind. Cattails spread readily, but overharvesting can destroy stands. Take no more than 1/4 of shoots per stand to ensure regrowth (Hunger and Thirst for Life).
Consider harvesting shoots early in spring or late fall when fewer wildlife depend on cattails. Leave some for animals who also forage. Spread your harvests around various locations.
