Tag: Lambsquarters

According to botanists, the fast-growing annual plant known as *bathua* in India is scientifically classified as *Chenopodium album*. When searching for the English name for bathua leaves, you'll discover it's known by several common names, including lambsquarters, goosefoot, and wild spinach.

While some might use the terms interchangeably, the key botanical distinction is that goosefoot is the common name for the *Chenopodium* plant genus, while quinoa (*Chenopodium quinoa*) is a single, cultivated species within that genus. This relationship is similar to how a golden retriever is a specific breed of dog.

Though often considered a common weed in many parts of the world, bathua is a highly prized and nutritious green leafy vegetable in India and other regions. This diverse plant is known by a variety of names, often leading to confusion among home cooks and foragers alike, but all refer to the same versatile and healthy ingredient.

While quinoa (*Chenopodium quinoa*) was domesticated thousands of years ago in the Andean region, its wild cousin, *Chenopodium album*, often grows as a common weed across the globe. Despite belonging to the same plant family, understanding the key difference between *Chenopodium album* and quinoa is crucial for culinary and botanical purposes.

According to the National Institutes of Health, goosefoot, also known as lambsquarters, has a rich history of human consumption and is a highly nutritious, under-exploited vegetable. So, can we eat goosefoot? The answer is a clear yes, but with important precautions regarding proper identification and preparation.

Did you know that lambsquarters, a common garden weed, contains up to three times more calcium than spinach? Exploring if lambsquarters is healthier than spinach reveals surprising facts about this highly nutritious wild edible and how it stacks up against its cultivated counterpart.