5.18.22

Around The Farm

The Cultural Utilization of Weed Harvesting

By Kayla Guzman, Food Security Intern, Food Systems and Nutritional Health Major, Education Learning and Society Minor

Within various cultures the utilization of harvesting weeds is a practice to sustain food security.  Chickweed, dandelion, shepherds’ purse, crabgrass, common purslane, shot weed, and lamb’s quarter are all known weeds harvested for consumption throughout a vast number of cultures.

Weeds that are harvested for consumption are often known by differing names and preparation styles across cultures. They may be consumed in a variety of ways, including cooked, baked, or raw in salads, sautés, sauces, stir-fries, soups, or in a pickled form.   

It’s quite interesting how nutritious these elements can be. For instance chickweed is considered a nutritional all-star containing calcium, magnesium, B vitamins, selenium, zinc, potassium, copper, gamma-linoleic acid and more. Dandelions are known for their benefits of improving digestion and containing high levels of potassium, vitamin A, iron, vitamin C, calcium, and protein. Likewise, plantains are a great source of calcium, potassium, vitamin C, K, and A. However, my favorite of them all -purslane- is a well known weed within the Latinx community, and is widely harvested and consumed for its health benefits.

A serving of purslane (100 g) can provide one with 350 mg of a-linolenic acids — a greater amount of omega-3 fatty acids than any other leafy green. It is the highest source of vitamin A among leafy greens and contains vitamin C, vitamin B, riboflavin, niacin, pyridoxine carotenoids, iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium, manganese, and a wealth of antioxidants.

Purslane grows abundantly in and around dry soil. Its peak harvest seasons are mid-spring and summer. Since it grew prolifically around my childhood home, purslane was commonly served in our household and it soon became one of my favorite weeds.

A core memory I have is going outside and harvesting purslane to provide it for my mother and father’s dish. This was one of my favorite meals that has become very nostalgic. It is washed, prepared (chopped), boiled, and then seasoned with salt, lemon, and salsa. Mid-summer was the greatest part of harvest season for Purslane as our yard flourished with this weed. Soon enough we would find our neighbors coming to my family’s household to harvest.  

All in all, rather than attempting to eliminate and remove this weed I was able to see my community gather, harvest, and appreciate the nutrition and natural beauty of our environment. This opportunity to acknowledge and understand the true purpose and value of all plant forms is a cultural teaching that has sprouted a new definition of food security and food sovereignty that can be utilized by all. Creating a form of security in knowing that even when food accessibility falls low there is nutrition all around us, and one simply must take the time to understand the value of what surrounds us.  

Above photo: https://www.saveur.com/invasive-edible-weeds/

News and Noteworthy:

Forest Bathing Walk 
When: May 21, 10:00 am – 11:30am
Where: UW Botanic Garden's Washington Park Arboretum

Join UW Botanic Gardens and Cascadia Forest Therapy for a unique forest bathing opportunity in the Washington Park Arboretum. Forest bathing (or shinrin-yoku) has been popular in Japan for decades and is gaining momentum in the US. The practice encourages you to walk in the forest at a slower pace and take in the atmosphere around you. Multiple scientific studies have shown that it lowers stress and blood pressure levels, while increasing immune system functioning, making you more resilient to diseases and illness.

Learn more and register for the event here

Elisabeth C. Miller Scholarship in Horticulture
Applications Due: June 8th 

The purpose of the scholarship is to support the research and education of a student enrolled in the graduate program at the Center for Urban Horticulture at the University of Washington, or in the University programs directly associated with the Center, such as the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences or the Department of Landscape Architecture.

Learn more about the scholarship and how to apply here

Agriculture and Food Systems Employment Opportunities:

• Seasonal Farm Program Assistant, Pike Place Market 
• Red Dog Farms – Field Crew
• Oxbow Farm – Multiple
• WSDA Organic Programs – Inspectors
• One Leaf Farm – Farm Crew
• Viva Farms – Farm and Education Assistant
• 21 Acres – Multiple
• Common Ground – Farmer
• Tonnemaker – Field and Farm Stand Crew
• Tilth Alliance – Summer Children's Educator
• Cascade Markets – Market Manager
• Carnation Farms – Director of Sustainable Agriculture
• Common Ground Farms – Assistant Camp Director

Food Access Resources

The UW Farm donates regularly to the UW Food Pantry. During peak season we also donate to nearby food banks. The links below are resources to help you or someone you know with food access.  

• UW Food Pantry: The UW Food Pantry | Any Hungry Husky (washington.edu)
• Northwest Harvest Food Donation sites: Public Drop Sites – Northwest Harvest
• University District Food Bank: Donate Food and Items – University District Food Bank (udistrictfoodbank.org)
• Food Lifeline: Volunteer – Food Lifeline

Help The Farm Grow!

Every year, we have the capacity to grow more food and increase our educational and research program at the UW, but not without your support. Every contribution goes to work immediately, helping us better serve students. Your support can sustain our momentum and help seed new opportunities for student internships, academic work, and future growth. Please consider making a gift to the Farm online

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