Most of you will have tried Reedmace (Typha Latifolia) tubers, they're a fantastic source of starch in the UK. Some of you may have tried the young shoots as well. This is a simple way of harvesting a delicious, soft but crisp, vegetable resource later in the season. I enjoy it raw but it can be cooked in things like stir fry etc.
At this time of year there are few new shoots to pick but, if you cut the Reedmace down to 5 centimetres or so above ground or water and leave it overnight, you'll get a growth of the inner layers of a couple of centimetres. Push your fingers down between this core and the outer layers which forces the outer fibres away and pull up on the inner core. You'll come away with a lovely white stem of crunchy vegetable. It doesn't have a strong flavour but is delicious with just a little salt and black pepper or dipped in mayo or dipping sauce of your choice.
At this time of year there are few new shoots to pick but, if you cut the Reedmace down to 5 centimetres or so above ground or water and leave it overnight, you'll get a growth of the inner layers of a couple of centimetres. Push your fingers down between this core and the outer layers which forces the outer fibres away and pull up on the inner core. You'll come away with a lovely white stem of crunchy vegetable. It doesn't have a strong flavour but is delicious with just a little salt and black pepper or dipped in mayo or dipping sauce of your choice.