Shepherd Purse

Description

Shepherd Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) belongs to the Brassicaceae family and is native to Europe. It thrives in Gardens, Fields, Orchards, Roadsides environments across regions including Italy, France, Spain, Germany, UK.

Botanically, Shepherd Purse is leaves salad soup. Seeds spice. Young pods vegetable.. It is also known locally as Herba crucis.

The edible parts include Leaves, Seeds, Seed pods. With an edibility rating of 6/10, it ranks as a good wild food source. Harvesting is best done during April, December, February, January, March, November, October and September.

Nutritionally, Shepherd Purse stands out for its Vitamin K (250.0mg, 208% DV), Vitamin C (20.0mg, 22% DV) and Vitamin A (150.0mg, 17% DV). It also provides 2.5g protein and 2.5g dietary fiber per 100g serving.

In the kitchen, Shepherd Purse offers a Peppery mustard flavor profile. Raw boiled seeds dry. Common culinary applications include salad, soup, seed spice. Popular preparations include Shepherd purse soup, Toasted seed snack, Seed flour bread, Seed dressing granola.

For storage, fresh 3d.

Safety note: No toxicity. Antinutrient content is no antinutrients. Safe lookalike species include Mustard cress. Always verify identification with at least three independent botanical sources before consumption.

Foragers should collect shepherd purse during Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Sep, Oct, Nov and Dec. 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 gardens, fields, orchards, roadsides. 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 shepherd purse 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, shepherd purse 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

salad, soup, seed spice

Storage

Fresh 3d

Recipes

• Shepherd purse soup
• Toasted seed snack
• Seed flour bread
• Seed dressing granola
• Wild winter pesto made from Shepherd Purse
• Traditional Shepherd Purse soup
• Shepherd Purse and potato frittata

Where It Grows