Sapphire Grass

[sg]

My freind gave me some sort of grass or shrub that she said was called sapphire grass, she was going to steam it and have it with fish.
She gave me a bit and it tasted salty, apparently it grows in the sea of Shoreham, does anyone know what it might be?

[Kim A]

I think she meant Samphire. It's a 'sea vegetable', grows on salt marshes and beaches and it's lovely with fish. You can buy it in jars in France. It's quite hard to get, but a fishmonger should be able to oblige.

[naz_nomad]

Samphire's great ...
more here http://www.biffvernon.freeserve.co.uk/samphire .htm

[nickmo]

Samphire in season in UK form May to end of August / September, depending on location & conditions. Older plant takes longer to cook. Serve boiled with vinegar, or with butter. Pickled ersion sold around Norfolk and some other east coast places, as a preserved veg.

Use with shellfish & seafood. Make into soup. Can be served as a salad veg once washed and cooled. Mixes well with other greens like beans, etc. and adds a salty edge to a dish so reducing the need for further seasoning.

Sometimes sold as Sea Aspragus.

[violetblue]

Hey, Kim A, you've been busy dishing out expert fishy advice today! Better than Rick Stein! X

[Birt]

where can i buy samphire? looked for some for ages but nowhere seems to stock any. (supermarkets generally give me a blank look when i ask about it, one supermarket manager actually said "i thought that was a brand of tinned food")

[Catso]

Absolutely gorgeous stuff! The combination of the soft flesh and the slightly salty taste -oooohhhh! With hollandaise sauce... My mouth is watering.

It grows on tidal mud flats, so is common around the east anglian coast. 'Professional' fishmongers should be able to get it for you, in season, if asked. I don't think you'll ever get it in a supermarket - too niche.

Probably not much help, but it's often available on Sheringham market - a couple of � for a huge bag. Also by the side of the many roads in north norfolk, as people just go out and pick it for free.

[Catso]

PS The Fish Shed, 01485 210532 or Gurneys, 01328 738967 might do you mail order. I don't know for sure, though.

[Catso]

This online store claim to sell it - pricey though.