Curious Herbs

Samphire

Poor Man’s Asparagus

Half-way down Hangs one that gathers samphire; dreadful trade! (Shakespeare in King Lear Act IV, Scene VI)

Referring to the dangers involved in collecting rock samphire on sea cliffs.

What is samphire?

Sea asparagus, sea beans, sea pickle, glasswort; all are common names.

Grows on/near the coast, often on rocky outgrops.

“Samphire is a name given to a number of very different edible plants that happen to grow in coastal areas.” – Wikipedia

Can be used as a salad, or pickled.

Curiouser, and curiouser, if you want to know more visit this link with recipes and further links: Cafe Fernando

Greek Pickled Samphire

 

Pickled Rock Samphire & Pork Rillettes

Recipe & Image: Kavey Eats

Dover sole parcels and samphire

Image: The English Can Cook

So if you’re looking for something delicious and live near the sea, or simply Google pickled samphire and find out were you can buy it.