PLANT

Salicornia or Sea asparagus is a seasonal, wild herbaceous plant belonging to the Chenopodiaceae family. It appears in the form of a bush, as a cluster of cylindrical branches very similar to wild asparagus, about 40 cm high. It grows from April onwards near salt water and is therefore called a halophytic plant. The base of the root is fibrous and woody, while at the apex, it is more fleshy, young and tasty, with sprouts and juicy parts. The plant is bright green in spring, but takes on a red hue towards the flowering period. The flowers, located at the axils of the leaves, are extremely small and green with yellow anthers, flowering between the end of August and September. The seeds have a membrane-like covering.

CULTIVATION

Salicornia usually grows wild in marine or lagoon areas, on wet, gravelly soils. If desired, however, it can also be cultivated indoors, respecting light, temperature and water requirements.

COLLECTION

The best season for harvesting glasswort is between May and September, months in which its taste is absolutely balanced, lacking the bitterness typical of other times of the year.