Friday, May 14, 2010

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.


Lamb's Quarters in my backyard

1 comment:

  1. I've never picked these in the fall - they're a spring veg in my brain, as they're the first up, always. I'll have to keep an eye out for them. Although even if they are, I think I'd choose baby lettuces, kale, and chard over lamb's quarter at this time of year.

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