Organic Good-King-Henry - Chenopodium bonus-henricus

Good King Henry, sometimes called wild spinach, is cultivated for its leaves. It is a hardy perennial plant that remains in place for several years, making it ideal for permaculture. The leaves are consumed cooked in the same way as spinach. Plant it in April-May or September-October. Harvesting takes place in spring and autumn.

Good King Henry is cultivated for its leaves, which are consumed cooked in the same way as spinach. This hardy and rustic perennial plant was frequently harvested in medieval times. Good King Henry exists in the wild, mostly at high altitudes, in old inhabited places or at the edges of paths, where the soil is rich in nitrogen. There are two versions regarding the origin of its name. The name may refer to Henri III of Navarre, future king of France Henri IV, who greatly appreciated this vegetable. Its name could also come from Old German, 'gut heinrich' (heinrich meaning plants growing spontaneously around houses). Its vermifuge qualities would then have earned it the name Good King's Bourgeon, in contrast to the mercurial plant called 'mauvais henri'.

Unlike white Chenopodium and giant Chenopodium, Good King Henry remains in place for several years, approximately 4 to 5 years. The foliage disappears in winter and new buds appear in spring. Flowering, in the form of small spike-like flowers, occurs from June to September. Good King Henry reaches a height of 20 to 60 cm (8 to 24in) at maturity. It is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as minerals.

Harvesting: pick the leaves as needed, preferably in the morning. Harvesting takes place in spring and autumn, when the leaves are most tender.

Storage: the leaves should be consumed quickly after harvesting, ideally within the same day.

The gardener's little trick: To limit watering, we recommend mulching the soil in summer with thin successive layers of clippings, preferably mixed with dead leaves. This protection, which keeps the soil moist, also reduces weed growth.