Common rue

Ruta graveolens

herb

Very bitter, musky bluish leaves, in tiny amounts in grappa alla ruta, eggs or olives, from Italy to the Balkans.

Origin

Balkans and southern Europe

Where to find it

On dry limestone rocks and old walls, from southern France to the Balkans; it is mostly picked in the garden, wearing gloves.

Season (United States)

May to August

Preparation

In tiny amounts, never during pregnancy; its sap on skin exposed to the sun causes burns.

Molecules

In small amounts, not counted Lutein and zeaxanthin · Chlorophyll

Did you know?

In the Middle Ages it was called herb of grace, believed to protect against evil spells.