Corn poppy

Papaver rhoeas

leaf · flower

Young leaf rosettes, picked before flowering and cooked like spinach (rosolaccio in Tuscany).

Origin

Mediterranean and Europe

Where to find it

In cereal fields, on banks and building sites; in Apulia and Crete, the rosettes are picked at the end of winter, before the wheat grows tall.

Season (United States)

February to April

Preparation

Only the young leaves, before flowering, and cooked: the flowering plant contains alkaloids.

Molecules

Beta-carotene (vitamin A) · Lutein and zeaxanthin · Vegetable nitrates · Chlorophyll

Did you know?

Its dried petals go into “chest” herbal teas and color syrups.