Guascas

Guascas is the herb derived from the leaves of Galinsoga parviflora, a daisy-family plant (Asteraceae). Most of the world knows it only as an invasive weed called gallant soldier or potato weed, but in the Andes, it’s an essential culinary herb. Its mild, earthy, faintly artichoke flavor is what defines a real ajiaco Bogotano, the Colombian chicken and potato soup.