Oyster Leaf
Often called 'the vegetarian's oyster' and used by many a modern TV chef, prepare yourself to be amazed by their similarity to the eponymous shellfish!
This plant can be found growing around isolated coastal areas of the UK and is known as "Sea Bluebells" because of its attractive, edible blue flowers. Plants form creeping mats of fleshy, blue-green foliage and thrive in poor, gritty soils. They are well suited to rock gardens and coastal locations.
It's an incredible experience when you taste your first Oyster leaf. The salty, slightly earthy flavours combine superbly with seafood but also add an interesting salty element with an umami taste. Great to add to salads or serve with sushi, or why not wilt in butter and serve on toast.
Height: 20-30cm (8-12in). Spread: 30-40cm (12-16in).
Often called 'the vegetarian's oyster' and used by many a modern TV chef, prepare yourself to be amazed by their similarity to the eponymous shellfish!
This plant can be found growing around isolated coastal areas of the UK and is known as "Sea Bluebells" because of its attractive, edible blue flowers. Plants form creeping mats of fleshy, blue-green foliage and thrive in poor, gritty soils. They are well suited to rock gardens and coastal locations.
It's an incredible experience when you taste your first Oyster leaf. The salty, slightly earthy flavours combine superbly with seafood but also add an interesting salty element with an umami taste. Great to add to salads or serve with sushi, or why not wilt in butter and serve on toast.
Height: 20-30cm (8-12in). Spread: 30-40cm (12-16in).
Often called 'the vegetarian's oyster' and used by many a modern TV chef, prepare yourself to be amazed by their similarity to the eponymous shellfish!
This plant can be found growing around isolated coastal areas of the UK and is known as "Sea Bluebells" because of its attractive, edible blue flowers. Plants form creeping mats of fleshy, blue-green foliage and thrive in poor, gritty soils. They are well suited to rock gardens and coastal locations.
It's an incredible experience when you taste your first Oyster leaf. The salty, slightly earthy flavours combine superbly with seafood but also add an interesting salty element with an umami taste. Great to add to salads or serve with sushi, or why not wilt in butter and serve on toast.
Height: 20-30cm (8-12in). Spread: 30-40cm (12-16in).
Seeds require cold stratification at temperatures below 2°C for germination to occur. Sow into gritty, free-draining compost in small pots and keep in a shady cold frame throughout the winter to expose the seeds to a long spell of cold weather. When seedlings are large enough to handle, pot up into 15cm pots being careful not to disturb the plant's roots. Grow on in a sunny/shaded spot with protection from the midday sun in light, free draining soil. Provide protection from slugs and snails as soon as seeds germinate.
Trim back the stems to encourage branching. Harvest leaves throughout the growing season taking care not to remove more than half the foliage as this will weaken the plant. Remove the flowers as they appear to maintain energy in the plant. Leaves can be eaten fresh or cooked. All parts of the plant are edible. Over winter plants will die back to ground level and reemerge in spring.
