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What’s the Big Deal about Samphire? 


Head into any top restaurant and you can almost guarantee that samphire will be served with the seafood dish on the menu. This delicate, earthy green has acquired an almost God-like status in the world of vegetables, but what makes it so special?

Looking at a samphire, you’d probably say nothing. It’s small, dainty and kind of looks like an asparagus and a cactus had a baby (don’t ask me how that would work). But once you’ve taken a bite into a fresh piece of samphire, well that’s when the magic happens.

A little bit about it

There are two types of samphire, marsh and rock. That being said, rock samphire is rarely available and therefore it’s most likely that you’ll find marsh samphire in your local supermarket. Unlike most green vegetables that often have very little taste, samphire offers a particularly distinct crisp and salty flavour. That’s why when it comes to cooking you want to keep things simple, boil for a few minutes and soak in butter.

However, you don’t even need to cook samphire to enjoy it. Simply wash under cold water and it compliments most salads, meat and fish dishes by adding that salty zing. One thing you must always remember about samphire is to eat it as soon as possible. Samphire is absolutely brilliant when eaten fresh and in season (June-August) so try to only keep it refrigerated for a few days, or if you can help it, eat it the same day.

But why the price?

If you started reading this article then noticed samphire in the local supermarket, you may have realised that it’s a pretty pricey vegetable to eat compared to other greens such as spinach and kale. Why is it so expensive? I don’t have the foggiest.

Samphire is known as a sea vegetable and is pretty abundant along the English coastline, especially in places such as Norfolk where it is seen as a local delicacy. However, even though it is a delicacy, anyone can find it and anyone can pick it. So, if you want to add a touch of fine dining to your next cod dish, don’t forget to add samphire to your shopping list.

Samphire cooking tips

These are just a few little hints and tips to be aware of when it comes to cooking samphire:

Samphire isn’t like most other vegetables because these tiny greens come with a punch of flavour that won’t be to everyone’s taste. But even if vegetables aren’t your thing, surely you’ve got to be a little bit curious how something so small can be full of so many powerful flavours?


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Eryn Barber

A personal trainer and content writer, with a background writing nutrition and fitness articles. Her main passion is anything and everything to do with food. She is a keen baker and loves writing about her experiences with food. Follow her work-outs on Instagram @erynbarber.


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