We’re not much one for the ultra-thrifty lifestyle of dumpster diving and “freegan-ism.” So when our friend suggested, at a recent dinner party, that we all go into the yard and pick red buds off a tree for a salad, we were a bit skeptical. After a quick Google search ensured that red buds were indeed edible, and the host vouched that the trees had not been chemically treated, we ventured out and returned with a handful of tiny purple buds to sprinkle on a bed of mixed greens.
Should you not be so lucky as to have a red bud tree in your backyard, you can still enjoy these little treats at the Maplewood Farmers’ Market. Yellow Tree Farms is offering the buds which, in addition to being a delightful topper for salad, can also be made into a quick relish. With just a little vinegar and some spices, you’ll have a tasty condiment for grilled sausages. The buds, which have a slightly nutty, slightly floral flavor, would also be an aesthetically pleasing garnish for grilled fish.
This article appears in April 2011.