Romeo and Juliet, true love?
Are Romeo and Juliet really the most romantic of all lovers? Or is their love more folly, infatuation and teenage angst?
Alexanders (Smyrnium olusatrum)
A Roman introduction but, easy to grow as it self-seeds freely, quickly become common. A very useful plant because all parts of it were used in their season, including the flowers. It tastes similar to a mild celery. The leaves come through early in the spring to make a welcome fresh potherb. Then the flower heads can be picked, dipped in batter and deep fried, or pickled for use in salads. As the plant grows the stems become thick and hollow and can be chopped and used in cooking. Later, the seeds can be collected and used as a seasoning, similarly to celery seed. Medicinally it was used in the past as a diuretic.
