chickweed

from the series wild weeds

I remember finding chickweed in saturated green meadows as a child. Its fresh, pea-like scent was unmistakable. I often wondered whether this delicate plant might be edible — and it is.

Tender and vitamin-rich, chickweed can be eaten fresh, scattered over a salad or simply placed on bread. Even in winter it appears in small corners of the city. Though I do not harvest it there, its presence makes me smile — a quiet sign of resilience, a soft green interruption in the grey.

Appearance
· Leaves: small, oval; in pairs along the stem
· Flower: small, white, star-shaped
· Stem: single line of fine hairs

Use
· salads
· lightly steamed
· soups
· pesto, mayonnaise, herb butter
· stems and flowers can also be eaten

Effects
· contains vitamins A, B, and C, coumarins, potassium, iron, flavonoids
· supports metabolism, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antispasmodic

Taste
· reminiscent of young corn or pea pods

Other
· Do not eat in very large quantities due to saponins, which may irritate the stomach.

general information

What is great about foraging wild herbs

Tips to harvest safe and with respect

HEALTHY
· They contain many beneficial nutrients, often more than spinach or supermarket salads.

FRESH
· You can harvest them whenever you need them (and store them in the fridge for a few days).

AFFORDABLE
· They are free and help you save money.

LOCAL
· They grow here — no need for lettuce transported by truck.
· You get to know your surroundings better.

JOY
· It is enjoyable to be outdoors and to move your body.

· Only harvest if you are sure you have identified the correct plant.
· If needed, double-check with an identification app, e.g. Flora Incognita.
· Wash the leaves thoroughly, even if you harvested them in nature.
· Do not collect near busy roads or next to agricultural fields (these are often heavily treated with chemicals).
· Follow respectful harvesting guidelines:
– take only what you need
– never more than half
– do not remove the entire plant so it can continue growing