Botany – What kind of plant is this?
Salsify belongs to the daisy family and is an annual herbaceous plant. It forms black, white-on-the-ground roots that can grow up to 40 cm long and reach a height of up to 100 cm. The leaves are green and long-oval with pointed or rounded ends.
The inflorescences are basket-shaped and have a yellow color.
Salsify contains many minerals and vitamins and is considered easy to digest. Furthermore, the inulin it contains is a sugar that is particularly suitable for diabetics because it contains little glucose.
Cultural history – How did the black salsify come to us?
The original form of salsify originated in Southern Europe. There, it has been a well-known cultivated and medicinal plant since the 17th century, primarily used to treat snakebites. Initially, it was cultivated primarily in France, Italy, and Switzerland, but some time later, it also became widespread here in Germany. Nevertheless, "winter asparagus" never achieved great popularity, as other mild vegetables, such as potatoes, were more filling and easier to grow.
Even today, salsify remains a cultivar, grown primarily in France and the Netherlands. In Germany, it's usually available at weekly markets or well-stocked grocery stores.
TEXT: Merle Hildebrandt
