Hoary stock

Matthiola incana

flower

Very fragrant flowers tasting of clove and radish, raw in salads or crystallized in sugar.

Origin

Mediterranean

Where to find it

In the garden, or wild on the chalk cliffs of the Mediterranean and southern England; florists sell it, but treated: better to pick your own plants.

Season (United States)

April to June

Preparation

The flowers are pulled from their stems and eaten raw, scattered over a salad.

Molecules

In small amounts, not counted Pungent glucosinolates

Did you know?

Its French name comes from its clove (girofle) scent; the English call it “stock”.