Fat Hen

Chenopodium album or Fat Hen was a commonly used plant during medieval times - more common for those of "low" station. Young tender plants were used like spinach- cooked and fresh - and the seeds of the mature plant were ground and used as a flour or in porridge. I have eaten "Fat Hen", being introduced to it as a thirteen year old at Lake Shetek State Park by a good looking park ranger on a nature walk - yes a nature walk not a "nature walk" (wink, wink). It's slightly stronger than spinach but very edible. Every time I am weeding it out of my garden I pinch off a few leaves and have a snack and remember that ranger. (*Sigh*) Go try some this spring. We call it Lamb's Quarters here in the USA.