Samphire

*goes off to google it cos i've never heard of it*

*comes back with ...........

Samphire

There are two main types of samphire - marsh and rock - you can enjoy it at its prime from June to September.

Marsh samphire
Resembling miniature cacti, marsh samphire is sometimes sold in reputable fishmongers, but by far the best way to get hold of these hardy plants is to pick-your-own at low tide. Take along a pair of wellington boots - it's a muddy, but rewarding job. One of the best places to forage for samphire is on the Norfolk coast.

Rock samphire
A rare plant, related to parsley and fennel. It has an earlier season than marsh samphire, and is in season during spring, rather than summer. Aficionados swear by the superior flavour, but it's hard to find, and marsh samphire with its characteristic saltiness makes a fine alternative.

In the kitchen
Samphire is usually boiled and served warm with butter. Because it doesn't keep well, it's often pickled. Try serving it as a regional British accompaniment to fish dishes.

doesn't sound too easy unless you live on a salt marsh

I've had both types picked wild, they're a totally different plant to each other so it's a bit confusing that they have the same name. One of them is a lot nicer than the other but can't remember which one - probably the rarer one!

I was sent some seed of this and haven't got round to sowing it this year but will do next - Sean, who sent it to me, said to bung a load of sand in the pot with the soil so as to fool the plant into thinking it's by the seaside... - er, from the beach, of course - easy for me... where do you live again, Muriel?

Samphire is usually classed as a seeweed. Poor man's samphire is very finely shredded cabbage which is then fried crisp.