Sea Beans

Sea Beans are often used as a garnish or side dish, and can be served raw or cooked. Their crunchy texture and salty flavor make them a great addition to salads, soups, and stir-fries.

Sea Beans, also known as salicornia, samphire or sea asparagus, are a type of edible plant that grow in coastal regions and salt marshes around the world. They are particularly popular in European and Asian cuisines, where they are used as a unique and flavorful ingredient.

Appearance

Sea beans typically have a bright green color, with long, thin stems that resemble asparagus. They are often referred to as “glasswort” due to their high salt content, which gives them a crunchy, slightly salty taste. Depending on the variety, they may also have small, spherical seed pods.

Habitat

Sea beans grow in salt marshes and coastal regions around the world, including North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. They are able to thrive in salty soil and harsh conditions, making them a hardy and adaptable plant.

Fishing and Seasonality

Since sea beans are a type of plant, they are not fished or harvested in the traditional sense. Instead, they are gathered by foraging in coastal regions during the summer months, when they are in season.

Culinary Uses

Sea beans are a popular ingredient in many cuisines, especially in Europe and Asia. They are often used as a garnish or side dish, and can be served raw or cooked. Their crunchy texture and salty flavor make them a great addition to salads, soups, and stir-fries.

Conservation

Sea beans are generally considered to be a sustainable food source, as they grow naturally in coastal regions and do not require farming or cultivation. However, it is important to harvest them responsibly and in moderation, to ensure their continued availability for future generations.