Sorrel’s arrow-shaped leaves bring a zingy lemon flavor to salads and soups. Hardy in Zones 3–7, this cool-season perennial grows 12–18 inches tall and thrives in sun to partial shade with moist, well-drained soil (pH 5.0–6.8). Plant from spring or fall divisions or seeds; in my Zone 5 garden, I harvest outer leaves from spring through fall, yielding about 1 pound. Deer-resistant and frost-tolerant, though it may bolt in shade or heat—treat aphids with neem oil. Divide every 3 years for best production. Pair with spinach recipes, but limit consumption if you have kidney concerns due to oxalic acid content.

Sunchokes produce knobby, sweet tubers perfect for roasting or eating raw. Hardy in Zones 3–9, these robust plants grow 6–10 feet tall in full sun with average, well-drained soil (pH 6.0–7.5). Plant tubers 4 inches deep in spring or fall; I harvest 5–10 pounds annually, though digging can be intensive. Drought-tolerant once established—water during dry spells. Note that inulin content may cause gas, so start with small portions. Space adequately to prevent powdery mildew (treat with baking soda solution), and fence to deter deer. These plants break up compacted soil and provide late-season pollen for beneficial insects.

Serviceberry produces sweet berries perfect for pies and fresh eating. Hardy in Zones 4–9, this tree or shrub grows 10–25 feet tall in sun to partial shade with moist, well-drained soil (pH 5.5–7.0). Plant bare-root specimens in fall; the compact ‘Downy’ variety works well for smaller spaces. By year three, I harvest 10–20 pounds, though birds often share the bounty. Pollution and rust-resistant, especially the ‘Autumn Brilliance’ cultivar. Berries ripen in June—net quickly before birds feast. Light nitrogen feeders that support silkworms and other beneficial wildlife.

Miner’s lettuce offers mild-flavored leaves and stems packed with vitamin C. Hardy in Zones 6–10, this self-seeding annual/perennial grows 4–12 inches tall in partial shade with moist, rich soil (pH 6.0–7.0). Sow seeds in fall or winter; in my coastal garden, it forms a spring carpet yielding handfuls of greens before heat stops production. Mulch to maintain moisture and use beer traps for slugs. Contains oxalic acid, so wash thoroughly. Aerates soil and attracts beneficial insects.

Good King Henry provides leaves that substitute for spinach and shoots that taste like broccoli. Hardy in Zones 3–9, this perennial grows 2–3 feet tall in sun to partial shade with fertile, well-drained soil (pH 6.0–7.5). Plant from spring seeds or divisions; I harvest shoots in April and leaves throughout summer. Keep soil moist and cut back to refresh growth. Blanch to reduce oxalate content before eating. Remove rust-infected debris and benefit from its pest-deterring properties.

Oca produces waxy tubers in red, pink, and yellow with a lemony flavor when raw and nutty taste when baked. Hardy in Zones 7–10 (tender elsewhere), these plants grow 1–2 feet tall in full sun with loose, well-drained soil (pH 6.0–7.0). Plant tubers in spring; my greenhouse yields 2–5 pounds. Hill soil before frost to protect tubers. Use barriers against slugs. Cook to reduce oxalates. These Andean natives are packed with antioxidants.

Mulberry trees produce blackberry-like fruits perfect for jams and wine. Hardy in Zones 4–10, these trees reach 30–50 feet in full sun with moist soil (pH 5.5–7.0). Plant in fall; native red varieties adapt well. My dwarf variety produces gallons of berries. Fast-growing and drought-tolerant once established. Net branches to beat birds to the harvest. Apply horticultural oil for scale insects. Acts as a nitrogen-fixer, improving soil health.

Canna lily rhizomes taste like ginger, while young shoots resemble celery and leaves wrap tamales. Hardy in Zones 7–11, these perennials grow 3–6 feet tall in full sun with rich soil (pH 6.0–7.0). Plant rhizomes in spring; dig and store in northern zones before fall frost. My beds provide year-round interest. Tolerates wet conditions. Use iris borer prevention and rotate plantings. Cook before consuming—highly nutritious when prepared properly.

Nasturtium offers peppery leaves, flowers, and seed pods (green pods make excellent capers). Zones 10–12 as perennial, elsewhere as annual. Trailing varieties spread 3–6 feet in full sun with poor soil (pH 6.0–7.0). Sow seeds in spring; self-seeds readily. My container plantings overflow with blooms. Drought-tolerant; spray aphids with strong hose water. High in vitamin C and adds vibrant color to gardens and plates.

Maypop produces sweet-tart passion fruits perfect for jellies. Hardy in Zones 5–9, these vines climb 10–25 feet in full sun with average soil (pH 6.0–7.0). Plant in spring; my fence supports abundant growth. Drought-tolerant; inspect regularly for borers. Native variety that supports local wildlife and pollinators.

Watercress provides peppery leaves and stems ideal for salads. Hardy in Zones 3–11, this perennial grows 6–12 inches tall in moist to shallow water conditions, sun to shade (pH 6.5–7.5). Grow in pots or streams; my hydroponic setup yields weekly bunches. Clean water weekly and manage snails. Incredibly nutrient-dense superfood.