Have you ever heard of the foreshortening? It is a horticultural herb whose roots and leaves are edible ... and medicinal. In addition, its cultivation is really simple, and can be carried out in a pot or in the garden.
As it grows fast, you don't have to wait long to take advantage of it. Shall we tell you how to take care of it? Let's go there 🙂.
Origin and characteristics
Escorzonera, also known as black salsify, Spanish salsify or tarinetes, it is a perennial herb grown as an annual whose scientific name is Spanish Scorzonera. It is native to Southeastern Europe, probably Spain where it can be found in much of the Iberian Peninsula.
It grows to a maximum height of 90cm, and has alternate leaves, bright green on the upper side and pale on the underside. These are oblong-lanceolate, and have the entire margin or somewhat toothed. The flowers are capitular and yellow. The root is about 20-30cm long by 3-4cm thick, and they have black skin and white pulp.
Uses
- Edible: the leaves and, above all, the root, are consumed once cooked in salads. There are also recipes for escorzonera flower omelette.
- Medicinal: its consumption is recommended in those people who suffer from rheumatism, gout, hypertension, arteriosclerosis, or diabetes.
How is it cared for / cultivated?
The cultivation of the escorzonera is simple, you just have to take into account the following:
- Location: it must be outside, in full sun.
- Earth:
- Garden: fertile, deep and light.
- Pot: universal growing substrate. The pot must be deep, at least 40cm.
- Irrigation: frequent, every 2-3 days.
- Subscriber: throughout the season it must be paid with organic fertilizers, such as manure. The recommended quantity is 30t / ha.
- Plagues and diseases: aphids, roya white and powdery mildew. The former is controlled with blue sticky traps, and the latter with copper-based fungicides.
- Siembra: late summer.
- Harvest: the root is harvested 4 months or so after sowing.
- Conservation: it can be kept in the freezer without problem.
I hope you enjoy growing this herb 🙂.