Are Hostas Edible? The Common Garden Hosta Plant

So Are Hostas Edible? Can you actually eat this common garden plant? What are hostas, where did they originate from, where do they grow and what are their nutritional properties?

What Are Hostas?

Hostas are extremely hardy perennial plants that most gardeners love for a variety of reasons. This includes its low maintenance, its generous lush foliage, and its forgiving nature.  There are now over 2,500 varieties of hostas. Common hosta species are H. Fortunsi which blossoms a pale lavender flower in spring. H. montana are one of the most popular perennial hostas for shady areas

H. Decorata a native of Japan that has dark green leaves and in summer deep blue blooms.

Origins Of Hostas

Hostas originate from the Orient but were brought to Europe in the 1700s. They are known in Japan as Urui and are regarded as a wild plant that people used to pick from the mountains.

Are Hostas Edible? Are They Safe To Eat?

My neighbour absolutely loves hostas, so much so that she inspired me to buy a few hosta plants for my garden. I couldn’t believe it when I read an article that said hostas were edible. So are hostas edible? Let’s look at the research.

Well according to my research the Japanese eat hostas as a vegetable. Hotas actually belong to the asparagus family which is why we would say yes hostas are edible.

Here are some of the most recommended hostas for eating 

Nutritional Properties Of Hostas

In fact, there has been research done in Japan, on the macro-mineral content of Hostas. Analysis of essential macro-micro mineral content of twelve hosta taxa HasanMehraj^abYasuyoNishimura^bKazuhikoShimasaki^b

Hostas contain high levels of Calcium, Vitamin K, P, Magnesium, Maganese, and Zinc.

 

Making Hostas Edible

How To Harvest Hostas

Most research suggests the tastiest part of the hosta is the young hosta shoots that taste like asparagus but in Japan they cook both the young shoots and the leaf stems.

To harvest hostas you don’t need to ruin the full plant, simply harvest around the perimeter of the plant. Hostas are very forgiving and grow rapidly.

 

How To Cook Hostas

Top Tips on how to cook and eat hostas.

How To Cook Young Hosta shoots;

Cut the young hosta’s shoots before they are fully open and unfurled.

Then saute or roast the full shoot or chop the shoot in oil or butter or use as an ingredient in a stir fry.

How To Cook Hosta Leaves

Tender older shoots and leaves are best served blanched and sauteed as a vegetable side dish.

 

 

Some Hosta Recipe Dish Links

Hosta Recipe Dishes

Edible Hostas Shoot Miso Soup

Cheesy Roasted Hosta Shoots

Simple Tips To Take Care Of Your Hosta Plant

Hostas tend to thrive in shady areas where they tend to maintain their healthy darker green foliage.

Hostas love a low ph of rich organic soil, they grow deep and wide so plant a hole 1/3rd of a meter deep.

Once established Hostas tend to be very enduring in most soils for years to come.

Where Can I Buy Organic Hostas To Grow In My Garden

Some of the best places to buy organic hostas to grow in the UK include

Rootsplants

Sue Proctor Plants*

Advantaged Of Growing Your Own Organic Hostas To Eat

One of the big advantages of growing your own food is you get to know exactly what your food is grown in. You don’t have to worry about nasty chemicals or pesticides, contamination from plastic, or other types of toxic wrapping.

Which is why I would ensure if you plan to eat your Hostas you make sure you buy organic hostas from a reputable company.

If you are an organic gardener and professional blogger who would love to write for The World of Health site get in touch. We are presently looking for high-quality blogs around organic gardening and sustainable organic farming from experts in this area.