Sunday, March 7, 2010

Spring Has Sprung!

One place that I look to see if spring is on it's way is in my garden. Meandering through and over paths, the lovely, chipper chickweed is here! Yes, some may regard it as a weed and dutifully yank it out of the beds, but this is one beneficial weed. It is one of the early spring healthful, wild greens. Delicious in salad mixes, made into pesto and spread on toast, and also a nice addition to smoothies. Today, my recipe was one banana, 1.5 cups frozen raspberries, 1 cup frozen blueberries, a dollop of frozen lemonade concentrate, a cup or so of water, one ripe banana and a heaping handful of chickweed. Here is a useful website that describes it's uses and qualities.* I would recommend asking an herbalist or other trusted expert to confirm the identification before eating any wild edible.* Susun Weed also has a wonderful article on chickweed, as well as a longer essay  in her book, Healing Wise. Another interesting video  shows the flowering chickweed.

What are your favorite flavors of spring?

5 comments:

renee ~ heirloom seasons said...

We are very much looking forward to harvesting all kinds of wild greens this season. My husband intends to eat every part of the thistle. (Not all at once, in various ways...) We especially have an abundance of lamb's quarters all around our house. But for now there is still a couple feet of snow on the ground!

gardenmama said...

your banner is lovely, such a sweet celebration of spring! we enjoy chickweed as well, in smoothies and pesto! your drink looks really good!

Beth said...

I have been trying to learn more about edible wild things, and was very interested in reading about chickweed. Thanks! love, Beth

Rick Tan III said...

Very yummy-looking drink - thanks for sharing the post! Blessings to the family.

Potato said...

a bit early for chickweed here, but we've been putting lots of greens in our smoothies too. Yum!