Tag: Ambrosia artemisiifolia

Native Americans once cultivated ragweed seeds as a reliable food source, with one species, *Ambrosia trifida*, offering up to 47% crude protein and 38% crude fat, rivaling modern grains like wheat and soybeans. While this historical use highlights its nutritional potential, ragweed is now predominantly known for its potent, airborne pollen, which causes severe seasonal allergies, making its health profile complex and contradictory.

Ragweed, a notorious cause of hay fever, holds a surprising secret: its seeds were once a significant food source for Native American cultures. While the airborne pollen is a major allergen, the nutritional value of ragweed seeds is remarkably high, boasting significant levels of protein and fat.