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Good King Henry
Vegetables
Nutri-ScoreA

Good King Henry

Chenopodium bonus-henricus

Clinical Encyclopedia

Good King Henry is a perennial leafy green vegetable known for its high nutritional value and culinary versatility. It is rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a beneficial addition to a balanced diet.

Scientific NameChenopodium bonus-henricus
Region of OriginEurope

Macronutrient Ratio

Caloric distribution of primary energy metrics per 100g

Calories70 kcal
Water
92%
Fiber3g
Total15.0g
Protein
2.5g(17%)
Fats
0.5g(3%)
Carbohydrates
12g(80%)

Micronutrient DV% Score

Top vitamins and minerals ranked by percentage of Daily Recommended Value

Vitamins (DV%)
Minerals (DV%)

Health Benefits

Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, which support immune function, skin health, and blood clotting.
Contains dietary fiber that aids in digestion and promotes gut health.
Low in calories and carbohydrates, making it suitable for weight management.
High water content helps in hydration and provides a refreshing addition to meals.

Possible Risks & Side Effects

!May cause allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to Chenopodiaceae family plants.
!Excessive consumption may lead to digestive discomfort due to high fiber content.

How to Prepare & Consume

Best consumed steamed or sautéed to preserve nutrients; can also be used in salads when young and tender.

Smart Selection & Storage

How to Select

Choose vibrant green leaves without wilting or discoloration for the best quality.

How to Store

Store in a plastic bag in the refrigerator and consume within a week for optimal freshness.

Myths vs Realities

MythGood King Henry is toxic.+
RealityGood King Henry is safe to eat and has been consumed for centuries.
MythYou can only eat Good King Henry cooked.+
RealityYoung leaves can be eaten raw, while older leaves are better cooked.
MythGood King Henry is the same as regular spinach.+
RealityWhile they are similar, Good King Henry has a unique flavor and nutritional profile.

Healthy Recipes

Good King Henry Quinoa Salad

A refreshing salad combining the earthy flavors of Good King Henry with protein-rich quinoa and vibrant vegetables.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 2 cups fresh Good King Henry leaves, chopped
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup diced cucumber
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa and chopped Good King Henry leaves.
  2. 2. Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and feta cheese.
  3. 3. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper. Toss to combine and serve chilled.

Good King Henry and Mushroom Stir-Fry

A quick and nutritious stir-fry featuring Good King Henry and a medley of mushrooms, perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients
  • 2 cups Good King Henry leaves, chopped
  • 1 cup mixed mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • Cooked brown rice for serving
Instructions
  1. 1. Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.
  2. 2. Add mushrooms and stir-fry until tender, then add Good King Henry leaves and cook until wilted.
  3. 3. Stir in soy sauce and serve over cooked brown rice.

Good King Henry Smoothie Bowl

A nutrient-packed smoothie bowl featuring Good King Henry, banana, and almond milk, topped with fresh fruits and seeds.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 1 ripe banana
  • 1 cup fresh Good King Henry leaves
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
  • Toppings: sliced fruits, nuts, and seeds of choice
Instructions
  1. 1. Blend almond milk, banana, and Good King Henry leaves until smooth.
  2. 2. Pour into a bowl and sprinkle with chia seeds and your choice of toppings.
  3. 3. Enjoy immediately for a refreshing breakfast.

Good King Henry Pesto Pasta

A vibrant twist on traditional pesto, using Good King Henry to create a nutrient-rich sauce for whole grain pasta.

Ingredients
  • 2 cups fresh Good King Henry leaves
  • 1/2 cup walnuts
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • Salt to taste
  • 8 oz whole grain pasta
Instructions
  1. 1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
  2. 2. In a food processor, blend Good King Henry, walnuts, Parmesan, garlic, and salt while slowly adding olive oil until smooth.
  3. 3. Toss the cooked pasta with the pesto and serve immediately.

Good King Henry Omelette

A protein-packed omelette filled with Good King Henry and cheese, perfect for a healthy breakfast or brunch.

Ingredients
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup fresh Good King Henry leaves, chopped
  • 1/4 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or feta)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
  1. 1. Whisk eggs in a bowl and season with salt and pepper.
  2. 2. Heat olive oil in a skillet, add Good King Henry, and sauté until wilted.
  3. 3. Pour in the eggs and cook until set, then sprinkle cheese on one half, fold, and serve.

Good King Henry Stuffed Peppers

Colorful bell peppers stuffed with a savory mixture of Good King Henry, brown rice, and spices for a wholesome meal.

Ingredients
  • 4 bell peppers, halved and seeded
  • 1 cup cooked brown rice
  • 2 cups Good King Henry leaves, chopped
  • 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Instructions
  1. 1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. 2. In a bowl, mix brown rice, Good King Henry, black beans, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  3. 3. Stuff the mixture into the bell pepper halves, top with cheese if desired, and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Good King Henry and Lentil Soup

A hearty and comforting lentil soup enriched with the nutritious Good King Henry, perfect for chilly days.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup lentils, rinsed
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 cups Good King Henry leaves, chopped
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a large pot, sauté onion, carrots, and garlic until softened.
  2. 2. Add lentils, vegetable broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 25 minutes.
  3. 3. Stir in Good King Henry and cook for an additional 5 minutes before serving.

Good King Henry Frittata

A delicious frittata packed with Good King Henry and seasonal vegetables, perfect for a nutritious breakfast or brunch.

Ingredients
  • 6 eggs
  • 1 cup fresh Good King Henry leaves, chopped
  • 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
  1. 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. 2. In an oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil and sauté bell peppers and tomatoes until soft.
  3. 3. Whisk eggs with salt and pepper, then stir in Good King Henry and pour over the vegetables. Cook until edges set, then transfer to the oven and bake until fully set.

Good King Henry and Chickpea Salad

A protein-rich salad combining Good King Henry with chickpeas, avocado, and a zesty lemon dressing.

Ingredients
  • 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 2 cups fresh Good King Henry leaves, chopped
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, diced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, Good King Henry, avocado, and red onion.
  2. 2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  3. 3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad, toss gently, and serve.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the health benefits of Good King Henry?

Good King Henry is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, which support various bodily functions including immune health and skin integrity.

How can I incorporate Good King Henry into my diet?

You can use Good King Henry in salads, soups, or as a cooked green similar to spinach.

Is Good King Henry safe for everyone to eat?

While generally safe, individuals with allergies to related plants should avoid it.

How should I store Good King Henry?

Store in a cool, dry place or refrigerate in a sealed container to maintain freshness.

Can I eat Good King Henry raw?

Yes, young leaves can be eaten raw in salads, but older leaves are better cooked.

What is the best way to cook Good King Henry?

Steaming or sautéing is recommended to retain its nutrients.

How does Good King Henry compare to spinach?

Good King Henry has a similar taste to spinach but is often considered more nutritious.

Where can I find Good King Henry?

It can be found in specialty grocery stores or grown in home gardens.