Lesser sea-blite
Scientific Name: Suaeda maritima
Flavour: Lesser sea-blite has a mild, salty flavour with a slight bitterness. It offers a delicate and briny taste, making it a popular addition to coastal dishes.
Growing Season: Lesser sea-blite typically grows during the summer months, from June to September. It thrives in warm weather and is well-adapted to coastal regions with sandy or saline soil.
Native Region: Lesser sea-blite is native to coastal areas of Europe, including the British Isles. It can also be found in other regions with similar coastal environments.
Traditional Recipe: Lesser Sea-Blite Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
2 cups of fresh lesser sea-blite, washed and trimmed
1 tablespoon of olive oil
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 small chili pepper, sliced (optional for added spice)
Soy sauce or tamari, to taste
Sesame oil, for drizzling (optional)
Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions:
Rinse the lesser sea-blite under cold water to remove any sand or debris. Pat it dry and trim any tough stems.
In a wok or large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the minced garlic and sliced chili pepper (if using) to the hot oil and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the lesser sea-blite to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the leaves wilt and become tender.
Drizzle soy sauce or tamari over the stir-fried lesser sea-blite, tossing to coat evenly.
Remove from heat and drizzle with a little sesame oil for extra flavor (optional).
Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the dish as a garnish.
Serve the lesser sea-blite stir-fry as a side dish or as part of a larger meal.
Health Properties: Lesser sea-blite is low in calories and a good source of vitamins A, C, and E. It also contains minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium. The plant's high salt content may contribute to its potential diuretic properties. As with any wild plant, it is advisable to gather from clean, uncontaminated areas and be aware of potential allergies or sensitivities.
Growing Technique:
Location: Lesser sea-blite thrives in coastal areas with sandy or saline soil. It can tolerate full sun or partial shade.
Planting: Lesser sea-blite is typically grown from seeds. Sow the seeds directly in the garden or in pots filled with sandy soil. Lightly cover the seeds with soil and keep them moist until germination occurs.
Maintenance: Lesser sea-blite requires minimal maintenance once established. Keep the soil slightly moist but avoid overwatering, as it prefers well-drained conditions.
Harvesting: Harvest lesser sea-blite by cutting or gently plucking the tender stems and leaves. Leave some behind for continued growth and regrowth.
Self-seeding: Lesser sea-blite has the ability to self-seed readily. If you wish to control its spread, remove any unwanted seedlings or trim back the spent flowers to prevent excessive self-seeding.
Salinity: Lesser sea-blite is adapted to saline environments and can tolerate saltwater spray. However, it may not thrive in areas with excessive salinity levels.