What better way to celebrate National Reconciliation Week than with a popular bush tucker plant and recipe.
Back when I was in school, we were taught that Australian history began when Captain Cook “discovered” Australia.  And celebrations of Indigenous culture were almost non-existent. Thank goodness things have changed!
Nowadays, we have a Welcome to Country ceremony at most official functions. Children are immersed in Indigenous culture from their pre-school days.  And at school, Australian history begins long before 1770.
Bush tucker is becoming increasing popular and many of the plants are super easy for kids to grow. In this blog, we will highlight a bush tucker plant that you will probably have seen growing wild and thought it was just a weed.

Warrigal Greens (Tetragonia tetragonoides)

Also known as Warrigal Greens, Botany Bay spinach, New Zealand spinach, Native spinach or Aussie spinach.
Warrigal Greens is an indigenous plant that grows along the eastern coast of Australia and much of New Zealand.  You can use it just as you would regular spinach, silverbeet or even bok choy.
It is a hardy plant that can tolerate coastal conditions and can be harvested all year round. Warrigal Greens prefer a sunny position and can be grown easily in pots.
Edible Portion
CAUTION: Only leaves and young stems should be eaten and should both be blanched (dipped in hot water) for about three minutes to remove any toxins. The water used for blanching should be tipped out and not used in the cooking.

Warrigal Greens Quiche

2 tablespoons water
1 medium onion, chopped
1½ cups warrigal greens
wholemeal pastry
2 eggs
¾ cup skim milk
½ cup grated cheese
¼ teaspoon ground pepper
Preheat oven to 220°c and oil a quiche dish.
Heat water in a frypan and add onion and warrigal greens. Cook until soft and onion is clear.
Roll out the pastry and line the quiche dish with pastry.
Beat together eggs and milk, add the cheese, warrigal greens and onions.
Add pepper and mix well.
Pour mixture into quiche dish
Bake in oven for 5 minutes, then reduce temperature to 160°c and bake for a further 25–30 minutes or until set.
Serve hot or cold with a salad.
For more information about Warrigal Greens, visit The Backyard Farmer or I Love Warrigal Greens.
And if you happen to stumble across a large patch of Warrigal Greens, Sustainababy features a recipe for Warrigal Greens and Fetta Pie.
Happy bush tucker gardening
Erica