Lamb's Quarters

Lamb's quarters are popping up everywhere. Now is the best time to pick them, when they have only a few leaves, for the following reasons:

• The young leaves are the most tender. They have a bite similar to spinach, with the same creamy texture.
• The young leaves taste the best. Older leaves are a little more bland, with a wood flavour.
• Picking the leaves prevents the plant from going to seed. Once the plant goes to seed, it stops producing leaves, and it doesn't taste as good.

I suppose the above statements apply to most edible perennials that are coming into season.