ZZZ DISCONTINUED Samphire Plant

Marsh samphire grows naturally on salt marshes and tidal flats in many parts of the United Kingdom. Its bright green stalks resemble asparagus spears, hence one of its alternative names – sea asparagus. It is also known as glasswort, as samphire ash was once used in glass-making. At home samphire can be grown in open ground or in a container on your window sill. Once described as the poor man's Asparagus this is now much in demand in many gourmet restaurants as a garnish.That said, this is a fantastic vegetable in its own right or can be made into a wonderful pickle.

This is not something new - in his writings Shakespeare made reference to Samphire growing on the White Cliffs of Dover and the workings of the Channel Tunnel were reclaimed to make a new area of land called Samphire Hoe.

• Grow samphire in a container on your window sill or in the open ground.
• Best watered with a saline solution (1 teaspoon of proper sea salt in a pint of water).
• Prefers a light sandy soil (or well-drained) and a sunny position.
• Likes a warm sheltered position; protection from the worst of our winters will ensure continuity from year to year.
• Reaches 2-3" (6-8 cm) tall.
• Samphire will re-seed itself so do not be too greedy later in the season. Otherwise it will not flower and set seed, and regrow next year.
• Has a salty taste (surprise surprise!).

• Culinary Uses
• Cook as you would asparagus– delicious steamed with a knob of butter or a drizzle of olive oil.
• Great accompaniment to fish.
• Adds a delicious, salty crunch when added raw to salads.
• Can also be used in stir-fries.
• Makes an unusual pickle.

• Medicinal Uses.
• A natural carminative, depurative and diuretic.
• A natural treatment for obesity.
• High in Vitamin C.
• Can aid digestion.
• Can relieve flatulence.
• It is thought to help kidney complaints.

• Other Uses.
• In the 14th century the ashes of samphire were used in glass- and soap-making, hence the name glasswort.

Disclaimer
As with all alternative medicines and plants with purported medicinal benefits it is important to inform your health care providers that you are using them; this helps to ensure safe and coordinated care. We can accept no liability for any side effect or contingency from any allergy or any other cause or harm that may arise. If in doubt please do consult a medical practitioner before using.