Crithmum
Sea fennel ( Crithmum maritimum )
The sea fennel ( Crithmum maritimum ), German sometimes also called sea fennel, Bazillenkraut, is a coastal plant that grows on rocky coasts in the sphere of influence of the spray. Their use is known since ancient times.
Description
The flowering from June to October perennial plant of the family Umbelliferae ( Apiaceae ) is similar to wild fennel, so does the name sea fennel. The plant reaches a height of 10 to 50 centimeters. The samphire has one to two times pinnate and opposite leaves that are fleshy colored and blue-green. Furthermore, the leaves are succulent and can be up to 7 inches long. The stalks of samphire have the same color as the flowers and woody at the base. The flowers are colored pale yellow and form up to 80 millimeters in size, trusses, which are densely arranged and consist of 8-36 rays. The fruits are up to 6 mm long, ribbed and ovate and develop from the flowers.
Occurrence
The Samphire grows on the shores of the Black Sea, the Mediterranean and the East Atlantic from the Canary Islands and Madeira northward to Northern Ireland and Scotland. The plant can fit close to the sea tolerate contact with salt water spray well with their location. A 1935 single plant found on the barrier island of Helgoland proved to be unstable; the occurrence in 2001 found on Heligoland itself can now be considered as established.
Use
History
The medical and culinary usefulness of the plant has been known at least since ancient times. It is believed that this was the case even before the beginning of the written tradition. The samphire was especially carried by sailors for catering. He acquired due to its abundance near the coast and the resulting from the high vitamin C content preventive action against scurvy.
Cultivation
The sea fennel, despite its relatively limited natural site cultivated in gardens werden.Sofern sufficient dryness remains and there is no standing water, the plant can thrive on numerous earth. However, the samphire is only partially frost- hard and therefore, must specifically be specially protected in the wild in winter. A sunny to full sun location is essential for the growth of the plant. The plant can be easily propagated by seed or division in spring or autumn. Regarding ästhethischer aspects writes Seán O'Hara of gardening in mediterranean climates worldwide, the samphire was " handsome " and contrasting it " pretty with many plants ". Furthermore, doing " the additional edibility it even more worthwhile to plant samphire ".
Processing and application
The leaves of the samphire are occasionally made into salad or used as a spice.
The insignificant looking sea fennel, fonoll called marí in Mallorqui, is still an aromatic supplement to Mallorcan cuisine. After picking them it is washed and pickled in vinegar. Marinated the samphire is common ingredient in typical rice dishes such as arròs brut or pa amb oli (bread with olive oil and tomatoes). But even as pickled pickled vegetables is fonoll marí very popular and is an alternative to Mallorcan capers
See also: Majorcan cuisine
On the Greek Aegean islands, where the herb - following its botanical name - is called Κρίταμο ( Krítamo ), it serves as an addition to salads and other Mediterranean appetizers. The herb with the rather exotic note is here inserted in Salz-/Essigwasser and dosed sparingly because of its distinctive taste. You can prepare it fresh, by boiling it briefly, or even insert and preserve them in this way.