Chick Weed (Caryophyllaceae) Stellaria media, Stellaria pubera,

NOTICE THE WHITE STAR SHAPED FLOWER

AGAIN, NOTICE THE WHITE STAR SHAPED FLOWER

Chick Weed (Caryophyllaceae) Stellaria media, Stellaria pubera, 

          Chickweed is another well known edible "weed”. A shade loving plant, it can be found throughout Canada. Often cursed by gardeners, and sometimes praised by foragers and health-food advocates, it can be found in lawns, gardens, and nearly anywhere that the soil is fairly fertile. While chickweed is very well known by many people, it was not recognized as a food plant by North American natives, and not so many realize how edible it is. Nor do they realize how good a pot herb it makes. There aren't many recipes for it, but most of those that there are, are quite simple, including the two that follow.

Potherb -to prepare, collect a quantity of chickweed, preferably in the cool part of the day. Rinse well, to remove the dust and dirt, put in a pot and add just enough water to keep from burning. A pat of butter or margarine can be added. Cook over medium heat until tender, about 5 minutes. Serve hot with salt and pepper.

 Salad:-Add cleaned chickweed to a salad, for a delightful touch. This is a very simple and perhaps the best, way to eat this wonderful wild edible food.

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