Weed Pesto and Lilli Pilli Jam Recipes

Weed Pesto and Lilli Pilli Jam Recipes

Recipe for Weed Pesto

Who said weeds are waste? Many of the so-called “weeds” in our backyards are packed with nutrition, flavour, and healing power. This month, we’re turning those pesky greens into a delicious, nutrient-dense Weed Pesto. Note - only pick weeds where the Glyphosate has not been used, and never from Council Footpaths or parklands where they are sprayed often.

Ingredients:
 - 2 cups foraged edible weeds (try chickweed, dandelion leaves, plantain, nettle, or wild       mustard greens as all common in Aussie backyards)
 - ½ cup fresh basil or parsley (optional, for balance)
 - ½ cup nuts or seeds (sunflower seeds, almonds, or pine nuts work well)
 - 2 cloves garlic
 - ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
 - ½ cup grated parmesan (or nutritional yeast for dairy-free)
 - Juice of ½ lemon
 - Pinch of salt

Method:
1. Wash and dry your foraged weeds thoroughly.
2. In a food processor, blitz weeds, herbs, garlic, and nuts until roughly chopped.
3. With the motor running, slowly add olive oil until the mixture is smooth.
4. Stir in parmesan and lemon juice, then season to taste.

How To Use: 
 - Toss through fresh pasta.
 - Spread on sourdough toast.
 - Dollop onto roast veggies or baked potatoes.
 - Freeze in ice-cube trays for a quick burst of flavour later.
Recipe for Lilly Pilli Jam

The humble Lilly Pilli tree is one of Australia’s treasures - often planted as hedges, but bursting in spring and summer with glossy pink-purple berries. Instead of letting them fall to the ground, turn them into a tangy, antioxidant-rich jam.

Ingredients
 - 1 kg ripe Lilly Pilli berries (washed, de-seeded if large)
 - 750 g sugar
 - Juice of 2 lemons
 - 1 cup water

Method
1. Place the cleaned berries and water into a large saucepan. Bring to the boil, then simmer for 10–15 minutes until the fruit softens.
2. Mash or blend the fruit to your preferred texture (smooth or slightly chunky).
3. Add sugar and lemon juice, stir until dissolved.
4. Boil rapidly for 15–20 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking.
5. Test for setting point: place a spoonful on a cold saucer, let it cool, then run your finger through - if it wrinkles, it’s ready.
6. Pour hot jam into sterilised jars, seal immediately, and let cool.

Flavour Twist
Add a cinnamon stick or a few cloves while simmering for a spiced jam.
For extra depth, stir through a splash of vanilla just before bottling.

How to Enjoy
 - Spread thickly on fresh sourdough.
 - Serve with scones and cream.
 - Pair with cheese as a tangy relish.

Earthfood Tip
Lilly Pilis grow strong when the functional living soil microbes are active - they thrive in community gardens, schools, and backyards. Treat the soil, and you’ll be rewarded with baskets of berries each year. For buckets of berries use the Earthfood once every 3 weeks - you will be amazed at the results.
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