Marsh samphire
This halophyte is one of the most salt-tolerant flowering plants known.
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Transcript
This is not a cactus. It is salicornia, also called the sea glasswort or marsh samphire. A hardy little plant that lives on the coast and easily copes with the changing tides. Salicornia has the highest tolerance for salt of all flowering plants. Its trick is to dilute the salt water by storing it in its stem for months. Consequently, the plant swells up.
For culinary use, young salicornia plants are harvested in May. As with asparagus, the woody ends are removed and only the softer tips eaten. The salty and slightly peppery flavor is a wonderful ingredient in fish dishes and can be used to season mustard, mayonnaise and vinegar. Because salicornia is quite hardy, it can be stored in the fridge for several days. Only fresh water will soften its shoots, so it shouldn't be washed until just before cooking.
The 10,000 seeds each plant produces have amazing survival skills. If they have to, they can wait in the soil for up to 50 years until a spring rain prompts their germination. Salicornia is rich in iodine and minerals. So – off to the marshes to try the salty pickleweed.
For culinary use, young salicornia plants are harvested in May. As with asparagus, the woody ends are removed and only the softer tips eaten. The salty and slightly peppery flavor is a wonderful ingredient in fish dishes and can be used to season mustard, mayonnaise and vinegar. Because salicornia is quite hardy, it can be stored in the fridge for several days. Only fresh water will soften its shoots, so it shouldn't be washed until just before cooking.
The 10,000 seeds each plant produces have amazing survival skills. If they have to, they can wait in the soil for up to 50 years until a spring rain prompts their germination. Salicornia is rich in iodine and minerals. So – off to the marshes to try the salty pickleweed.