Preserves of Wild Spinach (Chenopodium Bonus Henricus) also called Good Henry, is a wild herb that grows high in the mountains in Pertica Bassa at 700 mt.
Good Henry, is a perennial herbaceous plant in the Chenopodiaceae family, widespread throughout the Italian peninsula. This herb grows mainly in the mountain and sub-mountainous parts, in most cases, it grows in areas with an altitude between 500 and 2800 meters.
Good Henry is rich in iron, vitamin C, mineral salts, saponin and oxalic acid, particularly suitable as an anti-anemic, emollient, laxative and depurative.
Its therapeutic properties, are being reevaluated although its use is mainly for home use.
Uses and pairings of Wild Spinach
Buon Enrico is an excellent pickle and goes very well with crostini with goat or cow cheese spread or as an accompaniment to savory cured meats.
Curiosities
Wild Spinach is’ awild herb, it reaches an average height of 20 to 60 centimeters, its leaves covered with a very dense down that gives the plant an almost grainy appearance, to the touch you have the sensation of touching a floury surface that often sticks to your fingers.
The flowers of Buon Enrico develop inside an elongated spike and vary in color, from very bright green to red. Flowering occurs between June and September.
It is not uncommon where Good Henry grows to find another plant such as nettle since it has the same habitat.
A little history of Wild Spinach, the Good Henry
Two theories have been developed for the name of this wild herb:
The first holds that the name Bon Henry refers to King Henry IV of Navarre, nicknamed precisely “Le Bon Henry,” who was later elected protector of botanists for his great efforts in revitalizing the agricultural development of his kingdom. In fact, the story goes that during a time of famine, the monarch allowed the starving population access to his garden park to feed on the wild herbs and berries that grew in the royal garden.
The second theory would relate to the ancient pagan god Henry, protector of the home, as this seedling grows mostly near dwellings. it is found mainly in alpine pastures, mountain pastures, and all places where livestock are used to graze or rest.
The origin of its scientific name “Chenopodium” comes from the Greek “chen” meaning “goose” and “pous” meaning “foot” and means “goose foot,” because the shape of the leaves resembles the webbed legs of geese.
Proprietà terapeutiche
Lo Spinacio Selvatico ha virtù officinali abbastanza efficaci; anche se poco conosciuta questa pianta fin dall”antichità era utilizzata per preparare dei composti per lenire le piaghe o i bruciori intensi dovuti alle scottature.
Alcune ricette tramandate di famiglia in famiglia vengono ancora oggi vengono usate.
Le foglie fresche del Buon Enrico se applicate sugli ascessi, sulle scottature e sulle ferite in generale, servono per accelerarne la loro guarigione.
In the heart of the Brescian mountains: the authentic essence of Zeruna
Azienda Agricola Zeruna, in Pertica Bassa in Valle Sabbia, is founded by Marco and Carmela. They are dedicated to wild herbs and local fruits.
They produce herbs in oil and jams without preservatives, and their farm is located next to a natural waterfall.
They follow only natural methods and respect biodiversity while valuing the Brescian territory and traditions.
Zeruna is sustainable and with the highest quality products, which is why we at bbuono decided to partner with them and bring their products to your table.
They offer a unique experience with direct hand harvesting and processing of their products on-site in the high mountains at over 700 meters.
Learn about the beautiful story of La Zeruna Farm and why we chose them as our partner.
Doubts and questions about wild asparagus preserves
What is mountain asparagus (Aruncus dioicus) in oil?
This is an artisanal Brescian preserve of young shoots of Aruncus dioicus, called “mountain asparagus,” hand-picked in the woods of Pertica Bassa (Valle Sabbia) over 700 m and processed very fresh. They are blanched for a few minutes and put in oil with sunflower oil, white wine vinegar and salt: preservative-free and of course gluten-free. Intense flavor with slight bitterness: perfect for appetizers and mountain recipes.
How to use wild asparagus in oil in cooking?
Ready to use: drain them and bring them to the table.
Appetizers and platters with local cheeses and cured meats
Risottos and “mountain” omelettes
Bruschetta and salads
Side dish for meat or fish
Pair with the territory: a Lugana or Chiaretto del Garda; with meat, try a Botticino red. Herbaceous, crisp taste that enhances simple, wholesome dishes.
Ingredients and allergens: what does the jar contain?
Simple ingredients: mountain asparagus(Aruncus dioicus), sunflower oil, white wine vinegar(contains sulfites), salt. Preservative-free and gluten-free. Produced in the Zeruna laboratory, which also uses celery and nuts: possible traces. An essential artisanal preserve, perfect for those seeking naturalness and authentic taste.
Where does this preserve come from and who produces it?
Transparent origin: it is produced by Azienda Agricola Zeruna, a small sustainable business in Pertica Bassa (BS). Manual harvesting, processing at high altitude in their workshops and short supply chain that enhances the Brescian mountains. Hand-packed 220 g glass jar. A Valle Sabbia specialty that brings authentic local flavors to the table.
How do they keep? How long do they last after opening?
Golden rule: keep the jar closed in a cool, dry place, away from light and heat (approximate shelf life: 18 months). After opening store in refrigerator, keep jars covered with oil and consume within 5-6 days. Since this is a preservative-free preserve, always use clean utensils and close tightly to preserve crispness and fragrance.
Nutritional values Wild Spinach
| Mean values | per 100 grams |
|---|---|
| Energy | 83 Kj 20 Kcal |
| Fats | 0.1 g |
| Saturated fatty acids | 0.1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 1.4 g |
| Sugars | 0.1 g |
| Protein | 2.3 g |
| Halls | 0.5 gr |
| Fibers | 2.2 g |
- Keep in a cool, dry place away fromheat sources and avoid direct sunlight.
- Once opened, store in the refrigerator at a temperature of 0 – +4°C and consume within 3 days.
- Packaged in 220 g glass jar.
- Shelf Life 18 months.
