Rough bindweed (smilax)

Smilax aspera

vegetable

Tender tips of a thorny vine, slightly bitter, in omelets like wild asparagus.

Origin

Mediterranean

Where to find it

It climbs through the hedges and maquis of Corsica, Andalusia and Greece; it is picked with wild asparagus, in the same hedges.

Season (United States)

March to May

Preparation

Only the tips that snap cleanly under the fingers are picked; they are blanched for a minute before the omelet.

Molecules

In small amounts, not counted Insoluble fibers

Did you know?

Its American cousins long flavored “sarsaparilla” drinks.