cattail root eating test

[Sodasprite6310]

I tried one raw once. It was okay but I didn't really want to eat it. Basically you peel it with your fingers, then pull the fibers off, swallow the juice, and spit the fibers out. The water was dry and the cattails were dead, so no wonder it didn't taste very good. But that was at the back of a park, and I live next to a stream with lots of good cattails, and it's October so I gotta go try them.

[paulbarthle]

Can they be used to make vodka rather than potatoes?

[contreeman]

THE FALL OF THE YEAR I DON'T KNOW BUT SPRING TIME THE NEW ROOT PEELED TASTE LIKE WATER CHESTNUTS TO ME. WHEN I WAS GROWING UP IT WAS A QUICK SNACK DURING THE DAY IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE

[NewYork895]

Cat tails are also being used as alternative septic systems. They are planted over perferated main waste pipes,the cat tails grow and absorb the effluent. In the fall juts cut them and dispose or burn them

[Ghost1865]

That makes a wonderful oatmeal type goop for breakfast, or a goop dough for a bread/hardtack style biscuit. And they taste better either cooked in a fire or baked caramelizing makes the starch sweeten , not so good once the roots and stalks have went dormant.

[buckstarchaser]

My dad would just wait for the lake to freeze and then drive a lawn mower out on the ice to take care of them. That way they were less of a pain in the ass and I guess the minnows still had the stumps to party in.

I guess if your water doesn't freeze solid you could drive a boat out and use a weed wacker for the same effect.

[DebbyShoemaker]

They look too old. Try some younger ones. I don't see why you cant eat the young ones, they would certainly be much more tender.

[junkgundrunk]

love the vid my friend!

[KasinH]

American Indian Food and Lore [Paperback]

Carolyn Niethammer (Author)

great review on many wilderness naturals.

Carolyn used to live in Tucson, and I got an autographed copy from her in the '70's when the book first came out. She'd used to visit my boss where I worked.

Never much like cattails in any way, shape or form. But they'd be better than nothing. Take a look at her book if you get the chance. I love her prickly pear/pineapple surprise recipe.

[ln4359]

Great video and EXCELLENT INFO in the comments here TY all :)

[SSanf]

I think if you cook them and pound them in the water, then squeeze out and toss away the fibers and let the water sit, the starch sinks to the bottom of the water. You pour most of the water off the starch and that is what you eat.

[kindacoiny]

There aint nothing like eatin some nice tail!  LOL ; )

[msamour]

Thanks for spreading the word. I was happy with the information we found that night. I will definitely try some next year. ponds have started freezing up here in Ontario.

[MrsNewAmericaNow]

the roots taste like mashed potatoes. Its a good food source to have, don't remove them! U can use the seeds for a fire starter.

[jasonmushersee]

Are'nt cattails bio-filters for nitrates & other things?

[Ccoach55]

hahah. . you got me rolling iron head. . no no no . .like eating wood. . and just so you know you've got me saying 'like a sooo' when im cooking now.

[TheVittleVlog]

Nice try anyway!!

[barnett1129]

LOL I have heard of this and was going to try it...I am so glad you beat me to it.....Yummy..But I think you have something when you said dehydrate it and use as a flour....Sounds like a recipe for potato soup and bread......Thanks Sam as always..

[FatGuyWithAKatana]

ya cooked all the flavor out, i don't think potato flavored soda is gonna be a big hit.

[Hobohube]

Thanks, we have cattails here around Detroit, Lake Erie but they are disappearing do to an invasive species that is not edible or useful.

[wideawake73]

and you might be able to dry the roots maybe and make a coffee with it ? if im remembering right

[wideawake73]

Ive tried a shoot in the spring, it wasnt great but I wasnt starving either lol ...kinda like a cucumber

[beast12101]

real woody this time of year, young ones are good, but there is also a first year and second year plant. You can use the pollen to extend your flour, very useful plant

[jebus419]

the best way to eat em is to build a small fire then put your roots on the fire. cook them till they are black. peel off the outer layer and chew the starch out of the inside core. the flour is pretty good too. makes good bread

[Iwillbedurnd]

Mebbe some one's "Pullin your root" LOL

[cisjohn2616]

I wonder if you put them through a meat grinder with a little salt and pepper and butter...

[omegahpla]

You know man, it's like eatin a pine tree, lol

Get em while they are growing in spring & the middle is tasty, kind of like pulling tall grass & eating the white part. Right after they get full height the roots are good, you want the new growing ones. The tough roots you can beat the crap out of & scrape & get starch out of it. Dry it out & you can use it like flour & even make bread. Some get the pollen in spring & mix with food for flavor

That little patch is a goldmine, if yer starvin

[brendahere]

LOT'S of things you can do with a cattail. From eating(salad like you tried to make FLOUR) to providing insulation by using the fluff. The grass can also be used for weaving. 

[brendahere]

LOT'S of things you can do with a cattail. From eating(salad like you tried to make FLOUR) to providing insulation by using the fluff.

[medini2]

run them thru your juicer along w/ some carrots, red pepper and celery...hmmm!

[VivianRinSC]

Always good info to know, just in case... :)

[MSGDREWRY]

clean em good, they live in slow moving water - the stagnation leave bacteria on them

[solidfreez1]

Instead of the root, the white new growth just above the root can be eaten in the spring and early summer. It is more tender than the roots, and probably has a little more flavor. The shoots are great baked in foil with some herbs and a little butter. It makes a great campfire meal.

[teeltimes]

I just knew that one of those roots were gonna break loose and you were gonna fall in the mud!!!!

[gunterm2009]

lol

[Hawklynn]

let them simmer 2x's longer than u do potatoes then they should taste like spuds. =o) SidewinderFF

[charloteer]

try baking or boiling it in with some balsamic vinegar, green peppers, onions, garlic powder

[roxiexd]

thank you.... I couldnt quit laughing... you are a riot!

[ironhead41]

@LookingDownThe45 cool...thanks....i will try it next sept

[scrm1]

@ironhead41 Yeah, I was thinking it is too late in the year too. For N.C., I would shoot for mid summer and they'll be much more tender.

[GoatHollow]

ROFL - LMFAO

[Regulator308]

well you never know untill you try.