Hogweed Cheese and Onion Quiche

Common Hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium) is a member of the carrot family, caution is advised whilst foraging plants in this family. Although it contains some of our most tasty plants cultivated and wild (Carrot, Parsley, Celery, Coriander, Parsnip Ground Elder, Cow Parsley to name but a few) it also contains some of the most poisonous ones I know of in the Northern Hemisphere (Poison Hemlock and Hemlock water drop wort) . It also has a bigger brother called Giant Hogweed that contains phototoxic sap and can cause horrible burns to skin when exposed to sunlight. Common Hogweed and many other plants in this family contain this sap but in smaller amounts,so care should be taken when picking in the sun especially if you have sensitive skin.

Common Hogweed is a very tasty plant indeed and one i eat lots of in many stages of its growth and in many dishes. More information can be found at www.forageuk.co.uk in the plant guide about Hogweed.. But today I have made Quiche, and it sure tastes good.