Dwarf Glasswort (Salicornia bigelovii)

Family: Chenopodiaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Salicornia bigelovii is a ANNUAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). It is in flower from August to September, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Shoots

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

pleasant nut-like flavour and a texture similar to olive oil. — Young leaves and stems - cooked or pickled.; The raw seed is inedible due to the presence of saponins, though these remain in the seed-meal when the oil is extracted.; The seed contains about 30% of an edible oil and 35% protein.; The oil is highly polyunsaturated and similar to safflower oil (Carthamnus tinctorius) in fatty-acid composition.

Habitat & North American Range

Salt marshes by the coast, often colonising new areas of mud flats through its prolific seed production. (Zone 8)