a plant. Yes, a plant – one that has been around for a long, long, time. It was given to us as a gift by our creator. Listen to what we now know about this amazing plant:

Value as an edible:

• It contains about 6 times more vitamin E than spinach
• The leaves contains more vitamin A than most dark greens
• Besides vitamins A & E, it is also rich in vitamin C and the entire B complex
• It is an excellent source of vitamin Q, more than any other vegetable
• It has 7 times more beta-carotene than carrots
• It is 2.5% protein by weight
• It contains more omega-3 fatty acids than any plant known to man (more than fish and safer to eat)
• Very high levels of melatonin, an important antioxidant
• An excellent hydrating food that is 92% mineralized, alkaline water

Other facts about this plant:

• All parts of the plant above the ground are edible (stem, leaf, flower, seed)
• It is a primary succession plant, growing over barren land to protect the surface from sun and rain
• It has been cultivated for human use since at least the 7th century BC
• It was growing in North America before Columbus arrived
• One plant can produce more than 50,000 seeds!
• Seeds can survive for 40 years in a state of dormancy before germinating
• In warm climates it grows year round as a perennial
• The leaves can be harvested to have a very mild taste (in the evening)
• The leaves harvested in the early morning will have a sour “zing” to them
• The leaves, flowers and stems are commonly used in salads, soups and desserts
• This plant has a stellar reputation as a medicinal for skin care and as a beauty aid
• There are about 50 known species growing around the world
• This plant can be harvested and preserved for months by fermenting (like sauerkraut)

However,

from personal experience I can say that this plant has one HUGE drawback!! Deer love it and will eat it to the ground. If, like us, you have deer in your backyard, look out. You will need to protect this valuable plant from immediate death by munching!

So, what plant have I just described? (Hint: You probably won’t find it at your local grocery store.) Be the first to identify this botanical – one that is often pulled as a weed and, tragically, thrown away!