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Smyrnium olusatrum Family: Apiaceae Common name: alexanders; black lovage; horse parsley |
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Description: An herbaceous perennial with an upright growth habit. Deep green leaves are deeply lobed. Umbels of yellow-green flowers in early to mid-summer followed by black aromatic seeds.
Special Notes: Native to the Mediterranean. Once grown as a major culinary and medicinal herb. All parts edible. Intermediate in flavour between celery and parsley. May need staking in exposed position. Few pests or diseases. Propagate by fresh seed; division in spring or autumn.
How to cook: Leaves and young shoots – raw in salads or cooked in soups and stews. Leafy seedlings – use as a substitute for parsley. Stems – raw or cooked, tastes like strong celery. Flower buds – raw in salads, celery-like flavour. Seeds – use as a pepper substitute. Roots – cooked in soups and stews for a flavour similar to celery.
Posted on January 29, 2013
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