Wild weed pesto and blackbean and nettle crackers

Ah a herbalist kitchen

What goes on in there?

A health nuts food love with the benefits of plants

Well here is a wee snippet of the food medicine I make, sneaking herbs into alsorts of meals to nourish my family and why not.... Not only are they super healthy boasting great qualities but super flavoursome to boot!

As an herbalist I work with preventative medicine which essentially is a healthy lifestyle, the perfect obsession of mine..... Working the earth naturally and as healthy as possible so she gives back to me the healthiest of plants and animals to nurture my family in the way of food and medicine aka food medicine ...... Nurture nature and she will nurture you, in so many ways, on so many levels!

Pesto is an absolute legend for quick flavoursome snack or as a meal tossed with pasta or as a side for salad and meat so quick and easy, chuck it in muffins and quiche too.....and just so happens to be packed full of nourishing herbs.

Here is a wee list with health benefits to some botanicals found in these recipes

Stinging nettle’s leaves

Vitamins: Vitamins A, C and K, as well as several B vitamin

Minerals: Calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and sodium.

Stinging nettle may help suppress inflammation, which in turn could aid inflammatory conditions, including arthritis, endometriosis and allergies

Parsley

Vitamin A, C and K Minerals Folate, Potassium.

Parsley contains many powerful antioxidants, which may help prevent cell damage and lower your risk of certain diseases.

Parsley is rich in vitamin K, which is an essential nutrient for optimal bone health. Eating foods high in this nutrient has been linked to a reduced risk of fractures and improved bone mineral density.

Garlic

Manganese Vitamin B6 and C Selenium

Decent amounts of calcium, copper, potassium, phosphorus, iron and vitamin B1

Garlic help prevent and reduce the severity of common illnesses like the flu and common cold.

High doses of garlic appear to improve blood pressure for those with known high blood pressure.

Water Cress and Ivy leaved flax toad

Vitamin A, C and K Calcium and Manganese

Watercress and flax toad boasts many important vitamins and minerals, including over 100% of the RDI for vitamin K.

Watercress and fax toad are extremely high in antioxidants, which may help prevent chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease.

Watercress contains potent anticancer compounds called isothiocyanates that have been shown to ward off several types of cancer.

Sorrel includes vitamin C, A, vitamin B6, iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium.

High levels of vitamin C boost a healthier immune system, calcium helps to promote healthier bones, and vitamin A is an essential nutrient for normal bodily functions and preventing illnesses. Otherwise, sorrel has been known to help manage diabetes, likely due to the anthocyanin and organic elements that are present.

So here's the recipe

Black bean and nettle crackers

1 can of blackbeans drained and rinsed.

1/4 c of ground nettles

1/4 c of toasted sesame seeds

1/2 c of corn flour

Salt and pepper to taste

Olive oil

Pre heat oven to 180°c

Put all ingredients in a bowl and blend add olive oil till you get the right texture, pop on the fridge to cool, roll dough between to peices of baking paper cut and bake.

Water cress, ivy leaved flax toad, sorrel and parsley pesto.

Fresh wild weeds

Garlic

Lime juice or lemon

Pine nuts and Walnuts pan roasted

Cheese

Olive oil

Salt

Gather three cups of fresh herbs

Pop in the blender with garlic, lime or lemon juice, roasted pine nuts and walnuts, cheese, salt and olive oil blend.

And enjoy.

Easy peasy

I made this super garlicky opt for less garlic if you don't like to much, I'm gonna slap this pesto in a baguette with foil for some herb-a-lious garlic bread!

The possibilitys are endless get creative with pesto🌿