Sea purslane
Sea purslane, also known as sea samphire or glasswort, is a plant that grows in coastal areas and salt marshes.
Scientific Name: Atriplex portulacoides
Flavour: Sea purslane has a salty and tangy flavour with a hint of bitterness. It offers a unique briny taste reminiscent of the sea, making it a popular ingredient in coastal cuisine.
Growing Season: Sea purslane grows during the summer months, from June to September. It thrives in warm weather and is well-suited to coastal regions with sandy or saline soil.
Native Region: Sea purslane 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: Sea Purslane Salad
Ingredients:
2 cups of fresh sea purslane, washed and trimmed
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1 tomato, diced
Juice of 1 lemon
Extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Rinse the sea purslane under cold water to remove any sand or debris. Pat it dry and trim any tough stems.
In a mixing bowl, combine the sea purslane, sliced red onion, and diced tomato.
Drizzle the lemon juice and a generous amount of extra-virgin olive oil over the salad.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Toss the ingredients gently to combine, ensuring the sea purslane is evenly coated with the dressing.
Let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavours to meld.
Serve the sea purslane salad as a refreshing side dish or as part of a larger meal.
Health Properties: Sea purslane is low in calories and rich in vitamins A, C, and E. It also contains minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and calcium. Sea purslane is known for its high omega-3 fatty acid content, which contributes to its potential anti-inflammatory and heart-healthy properties. Additionally, it contains antioxidants that help protect cells from damage. 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: Sea purslane thrives in coastal areas with sandy or saline soil. It can tolerate full sun or partial shade.
Planting: Sea purslane 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: Sea purslane requires minimal maintenance once established. Keep the soil slightly moist but avoid overwatering, as it prefers well-drained conditions.
Harvesting: Harvest sea purslane by cutting or gently plucking the tender stems and leaves. Leave some behind for continued growth and regrowth.
Self-seeding: Sea purslane readily self-seeds. If you wish to control its spread, remove any unwanted seedlings or trim back the spent flowers to prevent excessive self-seeding.
Salinity: Sea purslane is adapted to saline environments and can tolerate saltwater spray. However, it may not thrive in areas with excessive salinity levels.