Plant Nations

In my current garden I have so far failed to achieve an abundant growth of Swiss Chard. It grows slowly, stays small, and I never have enough to meet my needs, especially since it cooks down so much. Since Curly Dock is so mild in flavor, I finally thought to add a bunch of that to bulk out my sauteed chard. It was great! I turned out a true mess of greens, finally plenty to go around, and the taste was excellent. The chard provided the depth, breadth, bite, and complexity of taste while the dock provided the needed volume and a new top note with its light, lemony tang!

My great-great grandmother, Sinia Louisa (Price) Kester, was a traditional herbalist. Back when she lived, (in northwestern Arkansas) traditional healing was about all there was, and she was one of those who knew the plants. She kept her medicine plants in a little black bag she carried with her at all times.