Sea bean

About

Sea beans (Salicornia europaea), also known as samphire or sea asparagus, are a salty, jointed succulent with mildly bitter juices that grow in salt marshes and on mudflats. They are used as a garnish, condiment, or side dish, and their saltiness enhances the natural sweetness of seafood, eggs, and bread; they are also commonly paired with lamb. Sea beans are best in summer, developing more bitterness later in the season. This entry also covers rock samphire (Crithmum maritimum), a related plant that can be foraged year-round in Europe.

Pairs well with sea bean

• CiLemonLemon's acidity suppresses saltiness, making it easier to notice sea beans' mild, grassy flavor underneath.
• EaPotatoThe salty crunch of sea beans against potato works like a deconstructed potato chip.
• SuEggSea beans (marsh samphire) work well in egg salad sandwiches, alongside tortilla, or with buttery scrambled eggs.
• SuGarlicSea beans aren't a true seaweed but a salt-loving plant related to spinach and beets.
• GrBuckwheatHistorically sold side by side in French coastal markets, sea beans and buckwheat pancakes make a natural pairing, much as salty…
• MaSeaweedA London fish-and-chip shop makes a vegan "fish" from banana blossom marinated with seaweed and sea beans, relying on the blossom's…
• EaFava beanFava beans, whose skull-like shape in the pan echoes old superstitions linking the bean to the human head, pair well with the natural…
• GrLettuceSea beans, romaine hearts, sorrel and curly chicory combine into a salad spanning salty, sweet, sour and bitter notes; a fifth, umami…