Contents
— Introduction
— Description
— Habitat and distribution
—
Introduction
Alexanders has a captivating previous, used as meals and drugs since Roman instances.
As soon as referred to as “parsley of Alexandria,” folks grew this herb in gardens for years. However then celery grew to become extra in style. Even so, Alexanders nonetheless grows close to the ocean right this moment.
What makes Alexanders particular is its capability to create fragrant oils. These oils have a powerful, candy odor that pulls many pollinating bugs.
This occurs as a result of it’s a part of the Apiaceae plant household. This household is known for making aromatic oils.
Pliny, a Roman naturalist from the primary century AD, referred to as Alexanders “Smyrnium” as a result of it smelled like myrrh.
Scientific Title
Household
Botanical description of Alexanders
This tall plant can develop as much as 1.5 meters in peak and produces greenish-yellow flowers organized in umbrella-shaped clusters. The flowers emit a powerful, myrrh-like scent. The leaves are vibrant inexperienced and have toothed edges, organized in teams of three on the finish of the leaf stalk. The fruit is spherical and has ridges, and when totally ripened, it turns blackish in color.
Standing
Biennial. Mediterranean native.
Habitat and distribution
Yow will discover this Mediterranean plant in lots of locations. It grows close to the coast, on sea cliffs, and alongside roadsides. It additionally does properly in outdated ruins, hedges, banks, and quarries. The plant comes from Asia Minor, Syria, and the Canary Islands. Individuals have introduced it to the British Isles, the place it now grows naturally.
Picture identification
Components used for meals
Leaves, stalks, fruit and root.
Harvest time
Spring to summer season.
Meals makes use of of Alexanders
Alexanders, as soon as referred to as “black potherb,” has black, spicy seeds. It typically grows in outdated monastery ruins the place monks grew it as a backyard herb.
Prepare dinner the leaves and stalks for soups, broths, and stews. Use the flowers as spice and ornament in salads. Eat the buds pickled or fried. Add the foundation to casseroles and stews like parsnip.
This plant is a worthwhile supply of protein, carbohydrates, and fatty acids, that are all present in its fruits.
Moreover, the plant is wealthy in flavonoids and different bioactive compounds that provide a variety of well being advantages.
Alexanders recipes
Natural drugs makes use of of Alexanders
Alexanders was a conventional plant for cleaning the blood and a digestive herb for strengthening the abdomen.
Seafarers used it to deal with scurvy and herbalists used it to alleviate abdomen and urinary issues.
Alexanders was additionally a treatment for complications, toothaches, swellings of the physique, cuts and bruises, bronchial asthma and consumption, or tuberculosis.
Security be aware
There’s not a lot information on this plant’s toxicity. Discuss to a well being advisor earlier than utilizing it as drugs.
References
Guarrera, P. M. & Savo, V. (2016) Wild meals crops utilized in conventional vegetable mixtures in Italy. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. [Online] 185202–234.
Bertoli, A. et al. (2004) Unstable constituents of various elements (roots, stems and leaves) of Smyrnium olusatrum L. Flavour and Perfume Journal. [Online] 19 (6), 522–525.
