Bassia scoparia 'Trichophylla'

This relative of the Goosefoot originates from the grassy steppes of Southern Russia and was brought to the prairies of Central America through immigration. The elegance and edibility of this fine-leaved, huggable, conical plant (60-90 cm high) vie for attention. The leaves and young shoots are very tasty and are briefly boiled or stir-fried. The plant owes its name "Land Caviar" to its edible seeds, which resemble caviar in appearance and texture; in Japan, it is a delicacy called "Tonburi." The seeds are dried, boiled, and then soaked in cold water for a day. Afterwards, they are rubbed between the hands to remove the outer skin, leaving behind the glossy green seeds. The herb contains some Saponin (less than in beans), so don't eat platefuls of it. Native Americans used this property to temporarily stun fish, as these animals are sensitive to Saponin. In autumn, the light green plants turn a beautiful autumnal red, and in the windy prairie, the well-known Tumbleweed forms – dry, rolling bushes that tumble through dusty streets...: the seeds are spread by this tumbling of the plant. Sheep, among other animals, love this plant, and other herbivores will also enjoy it. Finally, the leaves and seeds have many medicinal properties: anti-bacterial and anti-fungal.

Names:
Latin: Bassia scoparia, or also Kochia scoparia
Dutch: Zomercypres
Also known as: Knuffelplant or Studentenkruid
English: Burning Bush, Summer Cypress, Tumbleweed, Land Caviar