Wow, can you believe it’s already April? The months are racing by and we are headed straight into a potentially hot summer. The weather has already hit 90 degrees this week, here in the South Bay. I know some of you out there love the heat, my husband included, but I’m not really one of them. I need that perfect 75 degrees to maintain a happy composure. I guess I will need to stock up on a wicked amount of sun dresses if there’s any hope of surviving what’s on the horizon!

Despite my distain for the heat, there are some upsides to warmer weather. The excuse to drink Gin and Tonics like they are going out of style and the Farmers’ Markets exploding with every fruit and vegetable imaginable. I’m not quite sure which one I love more. But for the sake of this post, we are going to focus on the food!

 

This month we are highlighting a few produce items you wouldn’t really expect are edible. We are referring to two weeds you usually pull from your gardens or yards – Purslane and Nettle.

Purslane surprisingly is considered a superfood high in omega-3 fatty acids and beta carotene which prevents heart attacks and strengthens the immune system. The tiny leaves have a cucumber-crisp, yet tart flavor with a lemon-pepper kick. Who knew the power of a weed! Now, before you run out to your yards and start hunting for this little guy, make sure to do your research. Purslane has a slight twin out there that happens to be poisonous. The Hairy Stemmed Spurge. If you’re not sure, don’t ingest ever!

Nettle, also known as Stinging Nettle, has an overwhelming amount of health benefits. Though careful when handling this weed as it really lives up to it’s name. I’ve made the mistake more times than you want to know of mindlessly grabbing on to a huge cluster of Nettle, causing my hand to burn for hours. Wear gloves! It will save you some unnecessary pain. Can you imagine what I could have done with all the Nettle, and even Purslane, I’ve pulled from my gardens over the years. Well find out below! It will surprise you!

Remember that what’s in season is different for each region and state. Here we mainly focus on California. To find out what’s fresh in your neck of the woods, check out Sustainable Table or Epicurious. Both offer up some very in depth information.

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Beets

1.  Roasted Beet, Avocado and Quinoa Salad with a Lemon Vinaigrette | by Designs of Any Kind

2. Mini Lemon Sour Cream Pound Cakes with Beet Glaze | by Hummingbird High

 

3. Baked Rosemary Chips | by Minimalist Baker

4. Stir-Fried Beet Greens, Tofu and Beets | by Martha Rose Shulman via NYT

5. Beet Glazed Salmon + Orange, Fennel and Pecan Salad | by Bird + Cleaver

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Grapefruit

6. Grapefruit-and-Sugar-Rubbed Pork Tenderloin | by Saveur

7. Citrus Fennel and Avocado Salad | by Foodie Crush

 

8. Grapefruit Chile Spritz | by Kitchen Konfidence

9. Pink Grapefruit Cookies | by Brown Eyed Baker

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Kohlrabi

10. A Tamarind Beef & Kohlrabi Salad | by Tartelette

11. Kohlrabi Coconut Soup w/ Crispy Roasted Radishes, Nigella Seeds + Cilantro Gremolata | by That’s Food Darling

12. Fresh Mozzarella and Roasted Kohlrabi Crostini with Crispy Lemons and Shallots | by Food52

 

13. Sunshine Bowl w/ Sunflower Seed Tahini Sauce | by Feasting at Home

14. Kohlrabi Salad with Cilantro and Lime | by Feasting at Home

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 Nettle

15. Linguini with Nettle Pesto | by Feasting at Home

16. Stinging Nettle Pistachio Pesto | by Sassy Kitchen

 

17. Wild Nettle Gnocchi with Cashel Blue Sauce | by Food Lover

18. Lentil and Nettle Curry | by The Hedge Combers

19. Pizza with Garlic Cream and Nettles | by Food & Wine

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Purslane

20. Purslane and Soba Noodle Salad | by Food for My Family

21. Purslane with Grilled Corn, Red Onions, and a Creamy Avocado Dressing | by Brooklyn Supper

22. Spiced Chickpea and Purslane Salad | by Babushka Table

 

23. Black Barley, Purslane and Watermelon Salad | by Healthy Green Kitchen

24. Farro Risotto + Purslane Pistachio Pesto | by Local Milk

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Rutabaga

25. Crunchy Root Salad with Fresh Herbs, Poppy Seeds, Almonds + Pomegrenate | by From The Land We Live On

26. Rutabaga Soup with Sage and White Cheddar | by Feed Me Dearly

 

27. Salmon with Rutabaga Noodles and Shallot Herb Sauce | by Heartbeet Kitchen

28. Rutabaga and Apple Soup with Homemade Curry Powder and Rye Croutons | by From the Land We Live On

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Tangerine

29. Tangerine Sour Cream Pound Cake | by Hummingbird High

30. Avocado and Tangerine Salad with Jalapeno Vinaigrette | by Bon Appetit

31. Tangerine, Chocolate and Vanilla Salad | by Jamie Oliver

 

32. Parsley and Tangerine Marinated Grilled Chicken | by Plating Pixels

33. Tangerine Ginger Sake Sangria | by Jerry James Stone