Welcome to Mountain Edibles

I have been wandering the mountains of Utah as an amateur botanist for many years, and I am now trying to share some of what I have learned with those around me. I am a user of many edible and medicinal plants, and I believe the edible plants are the least known area of my expertise. This blog is a way to increase the popular knowledge of edible plants.

I also do plant walks to teach about edible and medicinal plants in person. If you are in the Northern Utah area, and are interested in arranging such a presentation, you can contact me using the contact form at the bottom of the page.

Thank you for coming.

Thursday, March 21, 2024

Stellaria media

Stellaria media
Chickweed (Stellaria media) is a common weed in most places. But unfortunately not where I live, which is semi-arid. Fortunately one can sometimes find it populated areas at lower elevations, where it has found its way with the help of people in one way or another.

The most distinguishing feature is the white petals, which are very deeply cleft into two parts, but if you look closely they are joined near the base. The leaves are fairly small and opposite on the stem. The stems tend to grow prostrate along the ground and can form dense mats of vegetation. 

The flavor of the greens is excellent, and I very much enjoy eating them raw whenever I can find them. If you are lucky enough to have a large amount of the greens they are excellent in soups, stir-frys, and even as a pesto.

They are high in vitamin C and has too many beneficial constituents to list here. They are an ideal micro-green (if you are into that fad) because of the great flavor and many health benefits.


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