Aka Smyrnium Olusatrum

This is a plant I really want to go out and find. It’s known to grow along the seaside and in hedgerows, so I need to do a proper explore along the coast.

It’s meant to have green-yellow flowers that mature into a black fruit. The roots are meant to be black too, with white insides when cut. The leaves and stalk are meant to look akin to celery.

It used to be known as “black potherb”, suggesting it was commonly used in soups and stews. The roots were treated as we now treat parsnips, and the flowers were used to add a bit of a kick to a meal.

In terms of nutrition, it was meant to add protein, carbs and fatty acids to the diet.

However, the real draw is the medicinal value. Historically, it was claimed to cleanse the blood and strengthen the stomach. Sailors would take it to combat scurvy, and all would take it to relieve various infections, from UTIs to toothaches.

A jar or two of this would be good to keep on the shelf to help ward off colds and infections, and to keep the immune system strong. I’d also keep an extra jar if you or anyone in your household has IBS.

I haven’t found anything yet suggesting it can cause harm.