Lampascioni
Muscari comosum
root · vegetable
⚠️ Toxic look-alike
Never eat this plant unless you are certain it is not its toxic look-alike.
Without leaves or flowers, one bulb looks like any other: autumn crocus, star-of-Bethlehem, daffodil or hyacinth, all toxic. Autumn crocus is the most dangerous: its colchicine causes, two to six hours after the meal, vomiting, violent diarrhea, then failure of several organs, often fatal. Buy lampascioni from a vendor, and never dig up a wild bulb.
If in the slightest doubt, leave it. If you feel unwell after eating it, even several hours later, call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) or 911.
Small bitter bulbs of a wild grape hyacinth, soaked then cooked, fried or preserved in oil.
- Origin
- Apulia and Basilicata (southern Italy)
- Season (United States)
- November to April
- Preparation
- Soaked and cooked: raw, they are very bitter.
- Molecules
- In small amounts, not counted Insoluble fibers
- Did you know?
- Their bitterness must be earned: they are soaked for a day or two, changing the water.