Bacon rind

An elegant and little-known biennial plant with beautiful greenish-yellow leaves and small flowers in umbels: 70-120 cm high. It blooms relatively early, in May and June. It combines well in a border, but Perfoliate Alexanders also fits into a woodland garden (it tolerates shade) or even a wildflower meadow. The leaves, young shoots, and flower buds can be used raw in salads or cooked in soups, stews, etc. Growth under a blanching pot makes them extra tender. The roots are eaten cooked and have a mild celery flavor. The plant starts growing in autumn, so its leaves are often available throughout winter. They have a rather strong, wonderfully herbaceous flavor reminiscent of celery. Even the seeds are edible and are used as a pepper substitute. This easy-care plant grows wild in Europe and Asia and is very tolerant of wind (even slightly salty wind).

Names:
Latin: Smyrnium perfoliatum
Dutch: Doorwaskervel
English: Alexanders