Page 140 - The Lost Ways
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Shepherd’s Purse (Capsella Bursa-pastoris)
Annual or biennial herb; harvest in the spring
Yet another delightful weed from Europe, shepherd’s purse is an herb similar to
peppergrass and the cresses. If you harvest it early, it has a mild and appealing spicy flavor
that gets stronger as it matures.
Use the leaves in salads or as a potherb either alone while still mild or added later to a
milder dish, such as plantain or lamb’s quarters. The loose seeds and the heart-shaped
pods can be dried and stored for later use, as in soups and stews.
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