With the warmer than normal weather we have had, my chickweed patch has been abundant! Chickweed loves to grow in the cooler seasons…it actually thrives fall through spring, disappearing in the heat of summer. This is part of chickweeds medicine too, it is cooling. One of my favorite hot rash allies, it makes a wonderful salve blended with comfrey, yarrow, or plantain. As an herb, chickweed is rich in minerals and vitamin c. It makes a lovely and delicate herbal vinegar to add to salads or greens. Chickweed is also useful in tea or tinctures for those with heat…infections, inflammation, fevers. She cools things right down.

My friend Lupo shared this pesto recipe many years ago. It has become a favorite wild nourishing food!

Chickweed Pesto

3 cups of chickweed
1 ½ cups walnuts1 cup parmesan (or feta)
2-5 cloves garlic
3 Tbsp. olive oil

Blend all ingredients, except olive oil in a blender or food processor. Slowly drizzle in chickweed until incorporated. You may have to stop processor and scrape down edges once or twice to get it all consistent. This is such a wonderful fresh tasting pesto. Excellent on bread, as a veggie dip, or on pasta or potatoes.

Enjoy, and remember to eat something wild everyday!

by Melissa Fryar