Alexander’s seeds.
Looking to spice up your meals like they did in the medieval times? Then look no further, here we have Alexander’s seeds!
A very unique taste, hard to describe, something spicy and peppery, it definitely deserves a place on your spice rack.
The seeds start off green and have now dried on the plant, turning black. August/September is the ideal time to harvest them. They can be used in a pepper grinder or used whole to add unique flavour to your dishes.
Alexander’s was brought over by the Romans who thought very highly of this easy to grow tasty plant! Roman soldiers would carry the plant on long journeys, as they could eat the leaves, the stems, the roots, and the buds.
Alexanders fell out of favour in the 18th century after celery started being mass produced to replace wild herbs and vegetables. Let’s collectively bring this wonderful, abundant wild & organic plant back to life and back to our plates!
Happy foraging!!
Scientific name: Smyrnium olusatrum