Another plant ID needed please

[BILLy]

Hi
These pics where taken a few miles from costal waters, there were abundant and just starting to flower, they also have of a decent smell, not sure of what though, size wise I would say about 2-3feet ATM
Thanks
Bill

 

[Harvestman]

Looks like Alexanders, Smyrnium olusatrum

 

[Toddy]

It does indeed
Good eating is Alexanders

M

 

[Harvestman]

It does indeed
Good eating is Alexanders

M

How do you prepare it Mary?

 

[Toddy]

Leaves boiled up for soup (like nettles, they make good stock), the budding flower heads are cooked and served like broccoli. The stems are poached a bit like a celery version of asparagus, and the roots are scraped clean and boiled or steamed (though I'm tempted to try stir frying) like carrots.
Even the seeds can be used. Dried and ground up, they're a bit like cardamon/coriander…..sort of.
The plant smells quite strongly when you pick it but cooking it reduces that quite a lot.

The leaves don't need to be cooked, young ones can be used in salads, just not a taste most are used to now.

Bound to be masses of old recipes out there; they were so widely used in the past

atb,
M

 

[Harvestman]

Leaves boiled up for soup (like nettles, they make good stock), the budding flower heads are cooked and served like broccoli. The stems are poached a bit like a celery version of asparagus, and the roots are scraped clean and boiled or steamed (though I'm tempted to try stir frying) like carrots.
Even the seeds can be used. Dried and ground up, they're a bit like cardamon/coriander…..sort of.
The plant smells quite strongly when you pick it but cooking it reduces that quite a lot.

The leaves don't need to be cooked, young ones can be used in salads, just not a taste most are used to now.

Bound to be masses of old recipes out there; they were so widely used in the past

atb,
M

A good few things to try then. it is abundant just south of me. Thanks.

 

[Toddy]

I've been googling (can't be bothered searching through the books just now) and found loads of recipes

http://www.celtnet.org.uk/recipes/ancient/wild-food-entry.php?term=Alexanders

I've just finished brunch, and I'm peckish. I away out instead of guzzling

M

 

[BILLy]

Thanks all for your replies, think I am going to take a trip back and collect some for trying, although I have seen loads and loads at the road side but am put off picking them for fear of to much pollution. Others ive seen at the mouth of river.
Thanks again
Bill