Tidbits
Wild Weeds
INDIGENOUS EDIBLES words: Jennifer L. Rubenstein | illustrations and layout: Caryn Scheving
Indigenous (in-DIJ-en-us): Originating or occurring naturally in a particular place; native
A
lthough Indiana is renowned for the abundant food crops grown here by hardworking Hoosier farmers, some tasty and healthful delicacies just pop up naturally, like weeds. They might not be as familiar as other items from the garden or grocery store, but they offer the true taste of Indiana—because they are indigenous. Here is an introduction to a few of them. “Food is everything we are. It’s an extension of nationalist feeling, ethnic feeling, your personal history, your province, your region, your tribe, your grandma. It’s inseparable from those from the get-go.” —ANTHONY BOURDAIN
Also known as: Wild spinach, fat hen, pigweed Latin name: Chenopodium album Related to: Quinoa, beets, spinach, Swiss chard Features: Leaves resemble the shape of a goose foot and the plant produce clusters of tiny green flowers. The white underneath the leaves is water repellent and can be a salt alternative.
Health benefits: Nutrient-dense with vitamins A, C, B1, B2,
EDIBLE PARTS:
Leaves, shoots. Pinch the tips out to save and continue to grow
iron and protein. Mash into a paste to treat insect bites, burns and eczema. May be used to relieve upset stomach or treat diarrhea. Known to reduce inflammation and increase circulation. Does contain oxalic acid, which can be toxic in high doses.
Environment: Gardens, fields, near water, landscaped areas, disturbed soils. Often left in gardens or crops as a trap crop to decoy pests away from other crops.
Cultural uses: A tradition food crop in Northern India. Native Lamb's quarter is “one of the most nutritious weeds in the world. The other is purslane.” —MICHAEL POLLAN 52
edible INDY Fall 2018
Americans consume to improve their blood.
Preparation: Substitute for spinach, use in pesto instead of basil, use in smoothies, salads and soups. Young lamb’s-quarter greens can be juiced and used as natural detox. Harvest seeds in the fall, grind them for baking, use as microgreens or sprouts.
