Crithmum Maritimum
Family: Umbellifereae
English: Samphire, Sea Fennel
It grows in sandy soils, at deserted islands, in rock cavities in northern Greece and around the Mediterranean basin. It is a perennial plant with fleshy, glaucous and pale-green leaves with intense aroma. Its name, Crithum, is attributed to ancient Greeks who saw in it a resemblance to thyme.
Its flowers are also aromatic, yellow-green and come in umbels. The leaves have a particular "warm" taste and can be processed to pickles and added to salads. They are collected early in spring.
Popular Greek names:
"Critama", "Critamo".
