Lamb Quarters

Description

Lamb Quarters (Chenopodium album) belongs to the Amaranthaceae family and is native to Europe. It thrives in Orchards, Gardens, Fields, Disturbed soils environments across regions including Italy, France, Germany, UK, USA, Canada.

Botanically, Lamb Quarters is forgotten superfood more nutritious spinach. Cooked leaves Seeds quinoa.. It is also known locally as Farinello/Erba bianca.

The edible parts include Leaves, Seeds. With an edibility rating of 8/10, it ranks as an excellent wild food source. Harvesting is best done during April, August, July, June, March and May.

Nutritionally, Lamb Quarters stands out for its Vitamin K (100.0mg, 83% DV), Vitamin A (330.0mg, 37% DV) and Folate (106.0mg, 26% DV). It also provides 4.3g protein and 4.3g dietary fiber per 100g serving.

In the kitchen, Lamb Quarters offers a Spinach-like flavor profile. Cooked leaves boiled seeds flour. Common culinary applications include cooked leaves, qinoa seeds, seed flour. Popular preparations include Sauteed lamb quarters, Lamb quarters flour, Toasted seed snack, Seed flour bread.

For storage, seeds 2yr.

Safety note: Moderate oxalates cook leaves. Antinutrient content is oxalates leaf saponins. Safe lookalike species include Spinach. Always verify identification with at least three independent botanical sources before consumption.

Foragers should collect lamb quarters during Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul and Aug. Choose young, vibrant parts for optimal flavor and nutrition. Avoid specimens near polluted areas, roadsides, or treated agricultural land.

Field identification relies on recognizing the plant in its natural habitat — typically orchards, gardens, fields, disturbed soils. Flowers, leaf arrangement, and growth habit provide the most reliable identification markers. Always consult at least two independent botanical sources.

Traditional Europe communities have long valued lamb quarters as a seasonal wild food. Its reliable growth and nutritional density made it a valuable resource during lean periods and food scarcity.

In contemporary cuisine, lamb quarters pairs excellently with olive oil, garlic, and citrus. It complements wild herbs, foraged mushrooms, and hearty grains. Experiment with both raw preparations and slow-cooked dishes to appreciate its full range.

Edibility

Harvest Calendar

Nutrition (per 100g)

Culinary Uses

cooked leaves, qinoa seeds, seed flour

Storage

Seeds 2yr

Recipes

• Sauteed lamb quarters
• Lamb quarters flour
• Toasted seed snack
• Seed flour bread
• Seed dressing granola
• Wild winter pesto made from Lamb Quarters
• Traditional Lamb Quarters soup
• Lamb Quarters and potato frittata

Where It Grows