Fireweed Pesto
Fireweed pesto is a vibrant, herbaceous sauce made from the tender leaves and shoots of the fireweed plant (Epilobium angustifolium), blended with traditional pesto ingredients like nuts, oil, and cheese. It originates from Northern Hemisphere regions where fireweed is abundant, particularly in the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, and parts of Canada and Northern Europe. The dish is a foraged twist on classic basil pesto, offering a slightly peppery, earthy flavor.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This pesto is primarily a source of healthy fats from the oil and nuts, with a moderate amount of protein from the cheese and nuts. It provides notable amounts of vitamins A and C, along with minerals like iron and calcium, with a typical serving containing around 200-250 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbs | 4 g |
| Fat | 21 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 180 mg |
| Vitamin A | 120 mcg RAE |
| Vitamin C | 15 mg |
| Vitamin K | 30 mcg |
| Iron | 1.2 mg |
| Calcium | 100 mg |
| Potassium | 150 mg |
| Magnesium | 20 mg |
| Manganese | 0.3 mg |
Per 1/4 cup (60 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Fireweed is one of the first plants to colonize areas after a wildfire, symbolizing renewal and resilience in many Northern cultures. Nutritionally, its young leaves are exceptionally high in vitamin C, historically used by indigenous peoples and early settlers to prevent scurvy.
