Pineappleweed is an introduced species that has become a widespread ‘weed’ of disturbed ground, such as pavements and roadsides and gardens.
Pineapple weed is an amazing plant which thrives in poor soils, such as roads, driveways, and other dry or sandy soil locations. It is one of the few plants I remember clearly from my very urban childhood!
Related to chamomile, pineapple weed has a lovely scent – unsurprisingly it smells like pineapple! It is very easy to identify, just crush a flower between your fingers. If you don’t immediately smell pineapple, you’ve got the wrong plant.
Its leaves are finely divided and feathery, and its yellow, conical flower heads which look remarkably like tiny pineapples appear from May to November.
You can eat the flowers raw, simply toss them into a green salad for a burst of pineapple flavour.
Pineapple weed can also be used as a tea. Use both the leaves and the flowers, either fresh or dried to make an infusion.
Or try Pineapple Weed Pannacotta.
- 100g of pineapple weed,
- 100g of sugar,
- 500ml of double cream
- 5 tbsp of lemon juice.
- Put everything in a pan except for the lemon juice and bring to the boil for 5 minutes. Take off the heat, then add the lemon juice. Mix well and pour into dishes. Chill for for 12 hours. Enjoy!
If you are going to forage for Pineapple Weed, please follow the simple guidelines:
- Always be sure you are sure of the plant before you pick it and never eat any plant you are unsure of.
- Leave plenty behind for wildlife.
- Make sure you have permission to pick
- Only pick where plants are plentiful
