Chickweed

Stellaria media — Caryophyllaceae

Italiano: Centocchio — Stellaria

Description

Chickweed (Stellaria media) belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family and is native to Europe. It thrives in Gardens, Orchards, Fields, Roadsides environments across regions including Italy, France, Germany, UK, Spain, USA. Botanically, Chickweed is delicate herb year-round mild climates. Excellent raw salad.. It is also known locally as Stellaria. The edible parts include Leaves, Stems, Flowers. With an edibility rating of 7/10, it ranks as a good wild food source. Harvesting is best done during April, December, February, January, June, March, May, November, October and September. Nutritionally, Chickweed stands out for its Vitamin C (80.0mg, 89% DV), Vitamin K (100.0mg, 83% DV) and Vitamin A (80.0mg, 9% DV). It also provides 2.0g protein and 2.5g dietary fiber per 100g serving. In the kitchen, Chickweed offers a Delicate lettuce-like flavor profile. Raw salad sauteed risotto green juice. Common culinary applications include salad, risotto, green juice, sauteed. Popular preparations include Chickweed salad, Chickweed pesto, Sauteed greens with garlic, Wild green pesto. For storage, fresh 3d refrigerated. Safety note: No toxicity. Antinutrient content is trace saponins beneficial small doses. Safe lookalike species include Cerastium. Always verify identification with at least three independent botanical sources before consumption.

🌿 Foraging Tips

Where to find: Grows in Gardens, Orchards, Fields, Roadsides, Flower beds across Italy, France, Germany, UK, Spain, USA, Canada.

🍳 Recipe: Chickweed salad

Preparation method: Raw salad sauteed risotto green juice
Flavor profile: Delicate lettuce-like
Edible parts: Leaves, Stems, Flowers

This is one of the traditional ways to prepare this wild edible plant. Always ensure proper plant identification before cooking.

When to harvest: Best months: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec.
Lookalike (safe): Cerastium
⚠️ Lookalike (toxic): No poisonous hairy stem one side
Tip: Always verify identification with multiple sources before consuming any wild plant. When in doubt, do not eat it.

Edibility

7/10
Toxicity: No toxicity
Antinutrients: Trace saponins beneficial small doses
Safe lookalikes: Cerastium
Dangerous: No poisonous hairy stem one side

Harvest Calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Edible parts: Leaves, Stems, Flowers
Preparation: Raw salad sauteed risotto green juice
Flavor: Delicate lettuce-like

Nutrition (per 100g)

Protein: 2.0g
Fat: 0.3g
Fiber: 2.5g
Vitamin C: 80.0mg (88%DV)
Vitamin A: 80mcg (8%DV)
Vitamin E: 1.0mg (6%DV)
Vitamin K: 100mcg (83%DV)
Folate (B9): 10mcg (2%DV)
Calcium: 38.0mg (2%DV)
Iron: 1.1mg (6%DV)
Magnesium: 20mg (4%DV)
Potassium: 150mg (3%DV)
Zinc: 0.4mg (3%DV)

Culinary Uses: salad, risotto, green juice, sauteed Storage: Fresh 3d refrigerated

Recipes

  • Chickweed salad
  • Chickweed pesto
  • Sauteed greens with garlic
  • Wild green pesto
  • Leafy green soup
  • Wild winter pesto made from Chickweed
  • Traditional Chickweed soup
  • Chickweed and potato frittata

Where It Grows

Continent: Europe
Regions: Italy, France, Germany, UK, Spain, USA, Canada
Habitat: Gardens, Orchards, Fields, Roadsides, Flower beds
⚠️
Important: Always verify plant identification before consumption. This content is for informational purposes only. Consult reliable sources and experts before eating any wild plant. Improper identification can be dangerous.

Sources & References