Samphire – Marsh
|
Botanical Name |
Salicornia europaea |
|
Other Names |
Glasswort |
|
Habitat |
Salt marshes. |
|
Description |
Succulent annuals varying from single un-branched stems to thick, stubby bushes up to 30cm/12in high. Stems shiny and jointed. Flowers minute |
|
Harvesting |
At low tide Early or late in year |
|
Culinary Uses |
Salads, cooked, pickles |
Samphire – Rock
|
Botanical Name |
Crithmum maritimum |
|
Family |
Apiaceae |
|
Other Names |
Crestmarine, sea fennel |
|
Habitat |
Rocky coasts |
|
Description |
Squat, bushy plant up to 30cm/1ft tall. Stems hairless and solid Leaves fleshy grey/green in narrow untoothed leaflets. Flowers yellow umbels July – October |
|
Native to |
Britain |
|
Part Used |
Stems, leaves |
|
Actions |
Anti-obesity, diuretic |
|
Constituents |
Polyacetylenes: falcarinol, falcarindiol Volatile oil: O-geranylvanillin, dillapiole, sabinene, limonene, beta-phellandrene, thymol, methyl ether, gamma terpinene Vitamin C, ascorbic acid, dehydroascorbic acid |
|
Culinary Uses |
Cooking, pickles |
|
Other Notes |
Mentioned in Shakespeare’s King Lear |