Saltwort (Salsola kali)

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

Salsola kali is a ANNUAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline and saline soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves, Shoots

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Young leaves and stems - raw or cooked. An excellent food with a crunchy tender texture. The leaves can be used as a spinach substitute or added in small quantities to salads. Seed - cooked. — Young leaves and stems - raw or cooked.; An excellent food with a crunchy tender texture.; The leaves can be used as a spinach substitute or added in small quantities to salads.; It can be ground into a meal and used as a gruel, thickener in soups etc or added to cereal flours when making bread etc.

Habitat & North American Range

Non-saline sandy beaches, avoiding acid soils. It is usually found on dry soils. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)