Tessa de Groot

Department: Food Non Food
Website: www.tessadegroot.com

Eating the Invasive

What: Japanese Knotweed is one of the most invasive and hard to eradicate plants in Europe. This mobile unit is meant to restrain the plant by turning it into a food resource.

Why: Japanese Knotweed is notorious for its quick spreading, destructive properties and for being almost impossible to get rid of. But instead of destroying it, why not invest and exploit its qualities? The plant is edible and considered a delicacy in its country of origin, Japan.

How: The edible spring shoots can be used to make a nice syrup with a taste comparable to rhubarb. Cutting the shoots will prevent the plant from growing taller. For this, a mobile syrup lab is made, that will also serve as a communication tool.


“We should consider the positive aspects of Japanese Knotweed”