Samphire
Samphire
Samphire (pronunciation: /ˈsamˌfī(ə)r/) is a common name for several plant species in the family Amaranthaceae. The name 'samphire' is a corruption of the French 'Saint Pierre' (Saint Peter), referring to the patron saint of fishermen, as these plants grow in rocky, salt-sprayed regions along the sea coast.
Etymology
The term 'samphire' is derived from the French 'Saint Pierre', which means 'Saint Peter'. The name was given due to the plant's habitat along the sea coast, which is associated with Saint Peter, the patron saint of fishermen. The term was later anglicized to 'samphire'.
Species
There are several species of plants that are commonly referred to as samphire, including:
- Salicornia europaea, also known as common samphire, glasswort, pickleweed, or marsh samphire.
- Crithmum maritimum, also known as rock samphire or sea fennel.
- Tecticornia, a genus of succulent plants native to Australia, also known as Australian samphire.
Usage
Samphire is often used in cooking, particularly in seafood dishes, due to its salty flavor. It can be eaten raw, pickled, or cooked. In addition, some species of samphire are also used in traditional medicine.
Related Terms
- Halophyte: A type of plant that grows in waters of high salinity, coming into contact with saline water through its roots or by salt spray, such as in saline semi-deserts, mangrove swamps, marshes and sloughs, and seashores.
- Amaranthaceae: A family of flowering plants commonly known as the amaranth family.
- Salicornia: A genus of succulent, halophyte flowering plants that grow in salt marshes, on beaches, and among mangroves, commonly known as glassworts.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Samphire
- Wikipedia's article - Samphire
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