Rock Samphire
Crithmum maritimum
Description
This herbaceous perennial, with a rhizomatous root and thick, fleshy, branched and prostrate stems that give it the look of a succulent, is very widespread on the coasts of almost all of Europe, Asia and North America. Rock samphire, which is also known by other names, is called “St. Peter's herb” and “sea fennel”; what it shares with fennel is that it belongs to the vast umbellifer family. Because of its high decorative value, as well as its aromatic properties, rock samphire is a perfect plant for gardens by the sea.
Leaves
The leaves of rock samphire, alternate, glabrous, leathery and of the typical glaucous hue, between grey and green, are very similar in appearance to those of succulent plants and form soft cushions rich in foliage.
Flowers
The umbels of small yellowish-green flowers appear in summer, between July and September
Exposure
The position preferred by rock samphire is a sunny one.
Propagation
It can be propagated by dividing the clumps, to be done in spring; by sowing in light potting soil, or by tip cuttings. This last method has the least chance of success, as the cuttings are easily attacked by fungal infections.
Growth
Growing rock samphire presents no particular difficulties.
Harvesting
The light green shoots should be picked before flowering, because afterwards they become bitter and no longer pleasant.
Storage
The youngest leaves, after being washed and dried, should be preserved in wine vinegar, which is replaced after two weeks with fresh vinegar, so that the leaves release any excess bitterness into the first pickling liquid.
Properties
IN THE KITCHEN: Rock samphire pickles fully retain their sea aroma; so in the bad season their flavour recalls the sun and air of summer.
Health
In former times rock samphire was recommended to aid digestion and to help cure kidney stones.
Curiosity
The fleshy, leathery leaves of rock samphire, covered by a film that limits water loss, and therefore similar to those of plants that live in desert areas, show the adaptability of plants: indeed, the salty air would tend to draw water from the leaves of plants had they not devised this effective defence system.