Curry plant, is it edible?

[Philthy]

I've got a couple of these plants on the go.

I've heard they do have culinary value, and one suggested use is adding flavour to rice dishes, but other sources say it is a novelty herb for aromatic use only, as ingesting will cause mild stomach upset.

What is the general opinion? Thanks

[rustylady]

Personally I can't stand the smell of them.

[Scarlet]

I read that you can use it to flavour food by adding a sprig to a casserole but you take it out before eating as you would with a bay leaf and its taste is nothing like the smell. It's supposed to be bitter. I've never grown it.
Another thread on it
http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...nts_25959.html

[Filbert]

Most people grow it for the scent and yellow flowers not for eating.

[veggiechicken]

There are 2 plants known as "Curry plant". The one I know is Helichrysum Italicum The Herb Gardener: How to Grow Curry Plant. Personally I can't stand the smell - reminds me of the "curry sauce" that you have in chip shops

[Scarlet]

Oh, I love curry sauce from chip shops. Takes me back to my school hols working in Pentwynmawr chippie!

[horticultural_hobbit]

Mama H chucks them into most things. Rice and Curries. Do wonders for curried chick peas. Only she killed the last one we had...and wants another one.

[Scarlet]

Is that the Curry Leaf Plant (murraya koenigii) though? I do use curry leaves in my curries but I've never used the Curry Plant - Helichrysum Italicum. Does she use that one as well?

[Two_Sheds]

it is a novelty herb for aromatic use only

This is where the Latin name proves invaluable. There is already confusion on this thread about which plant you're talking about: when we use the botanical name, rather than the common name/s, there is no confusion.
It reminds me of the debate about horsetail /marestail ~ some people insist on calling plants by the name they've always used, whether it's correct or not, and it leads to nothing but confusion & misinformation

Helichrysum italicum

Although called "curry plant" it has nothing whatsoever to do with the mixture of spices used in Indian cooking, nor with the curry tree (Murraya koenigii).

Murraya koenigii

Often used in curries, the leaves generally called by the name "curry leaves"

[horticultural_hobbit]

Has to be the curry leaf. Though ma, does call it a "bail eaf'. I'm pleading ignorance, else she'll shout at me.

[Feral007]

I have the smelly one, it says you can use it in curries but that is smell only and will not make your curry currier. These days I like a plant that grows, no matter what it is! Which is probably why the weeds inspector hates me.....

[Nelly Undertree]

The Curry plant H.Serotinum is used to flavour rice, vegetable and egg dishes. A sprig is used towards the end of the cooking period to add the mild flavour of curry. The oil is extracted and is used to enhance fruit flavours in foods and drinks. However, I find it works nicley in a bouquet with Lavender, Southernwood and Mint hung in the kitchen or tucked between the sheets in the airing cupboard as an aromatic fly and moth repellent.