Originally 'sampiere' a corruption of the French 'Saint Pierre' (St Peter), samphire was named for the patron saint of fishermen because all of the original plants with its name were grown in rocky salt-sprayed regions along the sea coast of northern Europe or in its coastal marsh areas. It is sometimes called sea asparagus or sea pickle.
All the plants bearing the name are annuals that begin growing in late autumn and vegetate throughout the winter until the first warm weather arrives. Then the first stems and internodes form, and by mid spring the plants measure 6 to 8 cm.
Marsh samphire ashes were used to make soap and glass (hence its other old English name, 'glasswort'. In the 14th century glassmakers located their workshops near regions where this plant grew, since it was so closely linked to their trade.
Samphire of all kinds have long been eaten in England. The leaves were gathered early in the year and pickled or eaten in salads with oil and vinegar. it is mentioned by Shakespeare in King Lear.
Marsh samphire genus salicornia bigelovii is being investigated as a potential biodiesel source that can be grown in coastal areas where conventional crops cannot be grown.
Though there are two types of samphire - marsh and rock - only marsh samphire is widely available. Marsh samphire has vibrant green stalks, similar to baby asparagus, with a distinctively crisp and salty taste. It can be used raw in salad, though it tends to be very salty so it is more often boiled or steamed for a few minutes. Occasionally you may also find jars of pickled samphire in gourmet shops.
Samphire is at its best in July and August. Buy bright, fresh looking plants with no signs of wilting and wash thoroughly under cold running water before eating. Buy samphire as you need it - it doesn't keep for long. To cook, steam over a pan of boiling water for a couple of minutes and serve with melted butter.
We also read that it was rich in vitamins and was given in the past to sailors to protect against scurvy. It also has excellent digestive and anti flatulence properties - thought you'd like to know this!
If you haven't yet tried it, why not take the opportunity now?
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