March 28th, 2008

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Shepherd’s Purse

Friday, March 28th, 2008

I wanted to share with you a little plant (weed) that I love.  I love it probably because it’s one my mother showed me when I was a little girl.  She would find it outside and show me how I could take off a little fruit (the heart-shaped part) and eat it and get a great peppery taste in my mouth.

This shepherd’s purse is growing in my yard, right along with grass, chickweed, dandelions and violets, etc.  The leaves are very close to the ground…

and there are a few smaller, narrow leaves up the stems.

Shepherd’s purse is widespread, introduced from Europe and considered a weed, though the plant is edible.  It can be found in places like yards, roadsides and vacant lots. 

While my wild salad is soaking, I look at the stem of shepherd’s purse I have brought inside.  The leaves near the base of the plant are good in salads.  Yes, this is my very old window ledge where you can see multiple layers of peeling paint that have been put on through the years!

I washed the stem and pulled off all the little heart shaped fruits to sprinkle on top of my salad.

Enjoy your weekend!!

Lynn

Posted in Cooking and Food, Gardening, Herbs | 4 Responses »