Dayflower, also known as Commelina communis, is a common plant with incredible benefits for your health. Learn its uses, recipes, and simple ways to enjoy this natural treasure.
The Humble Dayflower: A Hidden Culinary Gem
The dayflower, also known as Commelina communis or “Chicken’s Intestine Plant” in some places, is a familiar sight along roadsides, fields, and even gardens. Its striking blue-purple flowers make it easy to recognize and even easier to fall in love with. Beyond its beauty, this plant has been cherished in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and fever-reducing properties. Curious about how to make the most of this unassuming plant? Let’s explore its culinary and health benefits!
A Closer Look at the Dayflower
Scientific Name: Commelina communis
Parts Used: Young stems, leaves, and flowers
Harvest Season: May to September
Growing Environment: Fields, gardens, empty lots, and roadsides
Plant Size: 20–50 cm tall
Leaf Shape: Egg-shaped or lanceolate
Lifecycle: Annual herb
Dayflowers thrive in sunny, open areas, making them accessible and easy to harvest. Their tender stems and leaves are perfect for cooking, and their vibrant flowers can even brighten up your salad!
How to Use Dayflower in the Kitchen
Dayflower is a versatile ingredient with a light, fresh flavor that complements various dishes. Here are a few simple ways to enjoy it:
1. Dayflower Salad
Ingredients: Fresh dayflower stems, leaves, flowers, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper
How-To:
Gently wash the stems and leaves, ensuring no dirt remains.
Toss with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for a crisp and refreshing salad.
Garnish with the blue-purple flowers for a visually stunning and nutritious dish.
2. Dayflower Stir-Fry
Ingredients: Dayflower stems, garlic, sesame oil, soy sauce
How-To:
Heat sesame oil in a pan and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
Add cleaned dayflower stems and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes.
Finish with a splash of soy sauce for a savory touch.
3. Dayflower Tempura
Ingredients: Dayflower leaves and flowers, tempura batter mix, cooking oil
How-To:
Coat fresh leaves and flowers in tempura batter.
Deep-fry until golden brown and serve with soy dipping sauce.
Health Benefits of Dayflower
This modest plant isn’t just for the kitchen—it offers a wealth of health benefits:
Anti-inflammatory Properties: Helps soothe sore throats, tonsillitis, and minor inflammations.
Fever Reduction: Traditionally used as a natural remedy for reducing fevers.
Digestive Support: Known to ease diarrhea and aid digestion.
Antioxidant Benefits: Its vibrant flowers are packed with antioxidants to boost your immune system.
Harvesting and Storing Tips
When to Harvest: Pick young stems and leaves before the plant flowers fully for the best flavor and texture.
Storage: Blanch and store in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Alternatively, use immediately after harvesting for the best taste.
Why You Should Try Dayflower
Dayflower isn’t just another roadside plant—it’s a culinary and medicinal treasure. Whether you’re looking to add a splash of color to your dishes or enjoy its health benefits, this unassuming plant has plenty to offer. Try incorporating dayflower into your meals today, and discover a whole new way to enjoy nature’s bounty!