Duck, Duck, Goosefoot
Goosefoot, lambsquarter, and fat-hen all refer to the edible weeds of the genus Chenopodium. This is one weed I don’t pull, as it is an edible and mild flavored dark green, used anywhere you would use spinach (and, like spinach, is high in oxalic acid and therefore should be consumed in moderate amounts since it impacts calcium absorption.)
It is easy to grow, and pops up often on its own without any special help or sowing from the landowner. It’s regarded as a weed here, which is a shame, since it is easily one of the most useful edibles that you can forage on your own, and if left alone in your garden, readily self seeds itself.
Did I mention the plant is a close relative of quinoa? It is also part of the amaranth family that quinoa belongs to, and, as such, the seeds can be harvested and eaten as a grain as well, and tastes just like quinoa.
Although most sources say full sun to partial shade, I have found it also growing in a deep shade area of my garden. It doesn’t get very big there, but seems to be alright as far as living. It seems to do best in partial shade and dappled sunlight, as the leaves get big. It’s tolerant of a wide variety of soils (I have found it in both sandy and rich soils in my yard), and doesn’t seem to have too high of a water requirement. It obviously does enjoy being watered regularly, as I have my sprinklers set for once ever other day. It is an annual so it dies each year and grows from seed the next. I usually don’t like annuals so much, as they never stay in the same place as you plant them, but this is one I’ll make an exception for.
Ever since I let my landscapers go two years ago, I’ve been careful to allow any that I found on my property go to seed. I still don’t have enough this year to harvest to eat, but once they go to seed, I’ll collect and sow in earnest a big patch. There are other varieties that I once grew at the house we lived before, including the magenta one which grows much bigger, but for now I content myself with the white variety.
Weeds need love too, and I think goosefoot deserves it a bit more than the rest.
Recipes with Goosefoot