Samphire

Let’s take a break from our regularly scheduled crazy and talk about food for a minute.  Let me introduce you to one of my new favorite vegetables, it is called Samphire.

What is Samphire?  I found many names for it: Salocornia, Glasswort, Crithmoides, sea asparagus and sea beans.  It is an edible wild plant found in the salt marshes and mud flats around the world.  

Interesting fact, glass makers used to place their shops near where it grew.  It was important in glass making because when burned it becomes soda ash which is an important ingredient  for glass making.

It used to be found most commonly at the fish monger.  It has not always been a popular or fashion able vegetable in the UK, but now can be found at the big chain grocery stores.  I have some sitting in my fridge from Tesco.

It is traditionally served with fish. I usually steam it a bit and toss it with butter.  No need to add salt as it is salty, probably because it lives in brackish tide pools.  It reminds me a bit of asparagus.  It is a simple food with a simple taste!