RE: Carpobrotus

Speaking of edible ice plants, here is something I wrote recently about
another:

Edible Ice Plant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum)(syn. Carpobrotus
crystallinum)

This spring at the Palo Alto Demonstration Garden (PADG) we are growing
another unusual vegetable, edible ice plant. This plant is sometimes found
growing along the southern California coast but it should not be confused
with any of the many ornamental ice plants commonly found growing here such
as the invasive large-leaved ice plant, Carpobrotus. I have heard that the
naturalized M. crystallinum along the coast is too salty to eat.

We are growing it in a half barrel, in potting soil, with irrigation. The
seeds were sown in six-packs in February and set out in March. The first
leaves are quite large (4" triangles) but subsequent leaves are small on
branched stems. The leaves and stems are covered with crystalline cells
which give it the name, ice plant. Seeds are available from B & T World
Seeds or Graines Baumaux in France.

The taste of the cultivated plant is lightly salty and lemony. The texture
is succulent and slightly crunchy. The leaves and stems can be cooked like
spinach. I recommend a sprig of ice plant to garnish a plate; a sort of
palate cleanser. That is how it is served in Paris.
Some tasting comments from PADG gardeners: "Ah, that's nice", "That is the
most disgusting texture..", "Refreshing, lightly sour." 

For more information see the website:
http://www.anbg.gov.au/cpbr/WfHC/Mesembryanthemum/index.html
 

Susan Bouchez
Other Mailing lists | Author Index | Date Index | Subject Index | Thread Index