Sea holly

Eryngium maritimum

root

Long roots candied in sugar, the “eringoes” of Elizabethan England, tasting of parsnip.

Origin

Coasts of Europe

Where to find it

On the Atlantic and Channel dunes, from Aquitaine to the Netherlands; nobody candies it any more, it is admired in summer for its silvery-blue heads.

Season (United States)

all year round

Preparation

Protected in many regions: never pull it up in the dunes.

Molecules

In small amounts, not counted Falcarinol · Insoluble fibers

Did you know?

Colchester traded in them, and Shakespeare mentions them as a lovers' sweet.