Hello, green-thumbed readers! Today we’re going to explore a plant that might not be on your radar but certainly deserves a spotlight – the remarkable Sea Kale (Crambe maritima).
A Coastal Gem
Sea Kale, as the name implies, hails from the coastal regions of Europe, from the North Atlantic to the Black Sea. It’s a hardy perennial that thrives in salty, sandy conditions where few other plants dare to grow.
Despite its name and habitat, Sea Kale isn’t a type of kale at all! It’s a member of the Brassicaceae family, making it a close cousin to more familiar vegetables like cabbage and broccoli.
A Plant of Many Uses
One of the most intriguing aspects of Sea Kale is its versatility. Every part of this plant is edible! The young leaves can be used like spinach, the flower buds resemble mini broccoli, and the roots can be cooked like a potato. Historically, Sea Kale was a popular vegetable in the 19th century but has since largely fallen out of favor.
Cultivating Sea Kale
Sea Kale is a great addition to any garden, especially if you’re looking for something a little different. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun. Once established, it’s an extremally hardy plant, resistant to common pests and diseases. It’s also a perennial, meaning it will come back year after year!
An added bonus, Sea Kale is a real stunner. With its blue-green leaves, white flowers, and statuesque growth habit, it’s as much an ornamental plant as it is a vegetable.
Sea Kale in the Kitchen
In the kitchen, Sea Kale offers a unique culinary experience. Its leaves have a slight bitterness, akin to collard greens, which can be reduced by blanching. The roots, once boiled, have a delicate, nutty flavor that can be a pleasant surprise for potato lovers. And let’s not forget about those flower buds – try pickling them for an unusual treat!
A Forgotten Delicacy
So, why is this versatile, hardy, and tasty plant not more well-known? Like many heirloom vegetables, Sea Kale has been overshadowed by more commonly cultivated plants. However, there is a resurgence of interest in these forgotten edibles, so you may start to see Sea Kale popping up in farmer’s markets and gourmet restaurants.
So the next time someone asks you, “What the heck is Sea Kale?”, you’ll be armed with all the facts about this unsung hero of the plant world. It’s a resilient, versatile, and tasty plant that deserves to be rediscovered and appreciated.
Whether you’re a gardener looking for a new challenge, a chef in search of unique flavors, or simply a plant lover, Sea Kale might just be your next big discovery. Get your Sea Kale plants here!
Happy gardening!
