Glasswort (Salicornia europaea)

Family: Chenopodiaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Salicornia europaea is a ANNUAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). It is in flower in August, and the seeds ripen in September. 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 very alkaline and saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves, Shoots

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavour and makes a very pleasant raw nibble. — Young stems - raw or cooked as a potherb, added to soups etc.; The plant is at its best for eating in late summer.; The stems are very succulent, but have a thin woody core that is easily removed.; They are best harvested when about 15cm long, the top 10cm being used leaving the bottom 5cm to produce new shoots.

Habitat & North American Range

Coastal sands, mudflats and salt marshes, often near the low tide mark. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)