 |
| Chenopodium album |
Also known as Lamb's Quarters, this plant from the family of quinoa and amaranth is also a great pioneer, growing as one of first after a soil has been emptied of its vegetation or newly cultivated.
It is extremely nutritious, and a serving of 180g can cover 281% of one’s daily needs for vitamin A, 46% of one’s daily needs for calcium, 111% of vitamin C and 7% of one’s iron needs. It contains also around 10 times as much vitamin K as one would need per day. Its leaves contain around 12% of high quality protein, meaning that it contains all essential aminoacids. The seeds have about 49% carbohydrate and 16% protein.
Goosefoot is also rich in oxalic acid, so the leaves are best not eaten raw. In order to get the best of it, nutritionally, it is better to blanch the leaves and stems or steam them with a little water until tender (3-5 minutes), leaving the pan open, so that its oxalic acid can evaporate.
 |
| A beautiful variety with young leaves coming in pink |
The ripe, dried seed (not made into powder) can be stored in jars for consumption during winter time. They can be used soaked overnight and rinsed before using to remove the saponins. The seeds can also be sprouted and added to salads or ground into powder for enriching the meals. This powder can be added to pancakes, breads, rice, etc.
 | |
When eaten with beans, the leaves will act as a carminative to prevent gas formation.
Avoid harvesting it from soils overly rich in nitrates, as the leaves can accumulate high amounts of it.
It is not advised to be used by those with rheumatic conditions, arthritis, gout, hyperacidity and kidney stones. It should also not be taken during pregnancy.
Wild Edibles: Lamb's Quarters
Identifying Lamb's Quarters
And here you find detailed info on goosefoot:
Chenopodium album: Survival Plants Memory Course
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.