Chaste tree

Vitex agnus-castus

spice

Small black berries with a peppery, slightly bitter taste, ground like pepper.

Origin

Mediterranean

Where to find it

Along rivers and wadis on the Mediterranean coast, from the Var to Greece; its berries are now sold in herbal shops rather than grocery stores.

Season (United States)

all year round

Preparation

A pinch, not a spoonful: it is also a medicinal plant that acts on hormones, to avoid during pregnancy or with the pill.

Did you know?

In the Middle Ages, monks were given it to calm their ardor: hence its name.