Dock Clam Chowder!

Curly Dock, Rumex crispus in the Buckwheat family, is one of the earliest spring wild edibles and also one of the latest fall edibles.  I found it thriving in December in a local field.  It is high in Vitamin C, protein, calcium, potassium, iron and beta carotene.  In the fall it produces long stalks of red/brown seeds which can be easily gathered and ground for use in baked goods.  The leaves have a lemony flavor which makes it very suitable for this recipe.  Smaller, younger leaves are preferable as the older leaves become bitter.

Just as a consideration, this plant does contain a high amount of oxalic acid which may be stressful on the kidneys when eaten in large quantities.  Oxalic acid is often found in green leafy vegetables (such as chives, parsley, amaranth, and purslane).  When you eat oxalic acid, it combines with magnesium and calcium salts and produces oxalates which are removed from the body in urine.  If you have normal levels of magnesium and calcium in your body, there is no health concern for oxalic acid.  In other words, it is super good for you but to stay on the safe side, do not eat every night!  Also, boiling removes much of the oxalic acid so for many recipes it is not even a concern. 


Dock Clam Chowder

Ingredients:

6 slices of bacon, diced
1 large onion, chopped
2 cups finely shredded young Dock
2 7 oz cans minced clams, not drained
3 cups cubed frozen hashbrowns (or dice your own fresh)
1 quart half and half
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Fry bacon and when half done add onions to cook until transparent.  Add dock and fry until wilted. Meanwhile, place frozen cubed hashbrowns in microwave safe bowl and microwave until heated through and fork tender.

In large pot, add bacon/onion/dock mixture, clams, potatoes and half and half.  Simmer on low for 5-10 minutes.  Do not overcook as it will make your clams chewy.  Add salt and pepper to taste.

Notes:  While the content of this blog has been tried/tested and the research diligently presented, I am not responsible for your use of it.  Always try a little of the food first to test for allergies.  Please do your own research.  Discuss with your doctor before you use any herbal medications.