ID Guide Rock Samphire

Common names: Rock samphire, sea-fennel, crest marine

Latin: Crithmum maritimum

Appearance: The long, thin leaves are fleshy like a succulent and blue/green in colour. The leaves are thinly pronged and in small clusters, and the bush grows to around 20-60cm. Rock samphire does produce flowers (although they are not eaten) which have small white petals.

Where: As can be presumed by its name, rock samphire grows on the rock of cliffs next to the sea in coastal areas. 

How to forage: Pick directly from the rock, taking the head of the plant leaving the root. 

When: The best time is the end of spring and through the summer months.

How to use: As rock samphire grows along the coast near the sea it is best paired with seafood. It is mainly used as a side dish alongside fish. It can be fried or steamed with herbs and spices like garlic and chilli for some extra flavour.