What is Samphire & How Do You Use it?

Samphire is a fascinating and flavourful plant that has been growing in popularity with both gourmet kitchens and passionate home cooks. Known for its vibrant green colour and crisp texture, samphire is a coastal vegetable that brings a unique, salty taste to a variety of dishes. But, first things first, what is samphire?

Samphire is an edible coastal vegetable known for its crisp, salty flavour – often compared to a mix of seaweed and asparagus. This succulent, part of the parsley family, grows on coastlines and muddy flats between May and September. Samphire can be enjoyed raw in salads, pickled, or cooked by steaming, boiling, frying, or microwaving

Read on to learn when samphire is in season, our favourite ways to use it, and the best cooking methods to preserve its vibrant colour and crunch!

 

So, What is Samphire?

Samphire is a salty green succulent that grows on the coastline, or on muddy flat lands. It is edible, with many enjoying the marsh samphire variety, which is widely available in supermarkets and restaurants, and has a seaweed-like, asparagus flavour. Interestingly, it is actually part of the parsley family. The other variety is known as rock samphire and isn’t particularly pleasant to eat.

What Other Names is Samphire Known By?

Samphire is also commonly referred to as:

• Pickleweed
• Glasswort
• Sea asparagus
• Sea beans
• Sea fennel

When is Samphire in Season?

Samphire is in season from late May/early June through to September, with the best harvesting time being in the middle of July. Samphire is hard to come by in supermarkets when it is out of season.

If you’d like to learn more about which produce is in season right now, read our Month-By-Month Seasonal Eating Guide.

 

What Does Samphire Taste Like?

If we were to use one word only, it would be salty! Samphire is super crunchy with a flavour that we can only describe as a blend of fresh, green vegetables (think spinach or kale) with a briny, caper-like, almost olive-y aftertaste. Its natural sea-like flavours are just delicious when paired with seafood of any sorts. Cooking the samphire can tone down its salty flavour profile.

Can You Eat Samphire Raw?

Yes, samphire can be eaten raw, and it’s actually a popular choice for salads, pickles, and garnishes. When eaten raw, it retains its crisp texture but it is incredibly salty, so we’d recommend giving it a good rinse under cold water to remove a bit of its saltiness (make sure to wash the roots well, as this is where most of the salty flavour comes from!). Raw samphire is great in a G&T!

 

How To Cook Samphire

Samphire can be cooked in one of four ways; steaming, boiling, frying, or microwaving. We explore each method of cooking samphire below:

• Steaming: Steaming is one of the best methods to preserve samphire’s vibrant colour and delicate flavour. To steam samphire, place the washed samphire in a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water. Cover and steam for about 3-4 minutes. Serve with salmon and potato salad.
• Boiling: Boiling is a quick and simple method to cook samphire. Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the washed samphire and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until it turns a vibrant green and becomes tender. Once cooked, dunk into ice-cold water to stop the cooking process and maintain the bright green colour. 
• Frying: Heat a small amount of butter in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the washed samphire and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. The samphire should soften slightly and become glossy. Finish with a clove of minced garlic or a splash of white wine.
• Microwaving: Microwaving is the quickest way to cook samphire, perfect for when you’re in a hurry. Place the washed samphire in a microwave-safe dish, add a tablespoon of water, and cover with a lid or microwave-safe wrap. Cook on high for about 1-2 minutes. Drain any excess water and serve immediately with a drizzle of olive oil, lemon, and pepper.

Can You Freeze Samphire

Yes, you can freeze samphire, and it’s a great way to enjoy the salty vegetable out of season! To freeze samphire, blanch the stalks in boiling water for about 2 minutes, then plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking process (this also helps to keep its bright-green colour!). 

Once cooled, drain well, pat dry, and pack into airtight containers or freezer bags. Frozen samphire can last for up to six months. Simply defrost in the fridge overnight before using.

 

What Can You Do With Samphire?

Although a unique flavour profile, samphire can be enjoyed in a range of different dishes. Here are just a few of our top serving suggestions:

• Seafood: Serve it alongside grilled fish (like salmon or tuna steak), prawns, or scallops for a dish that truly tastes like the seaside.
• Salads: Add raw or blanched samphire to salads for a salty crunch. It pairs well with tomatoes, cucumbers, and citrus dressings.
• Pickling: Pickle samphire in vinegar and spices for a tangy treat that’s perfect with cold meats, with salmon pate, or as part of a grazing board. Find the recipe for Smoked Salmon Pate & Pickled Samphire on our website!
• Pasta Dishes: Toss blanched samphire into pasta (like linguine or tagliatelle) with garlic, lemon, and olive oil for a simple yet delicious midweek meal.
• Garnish: Use raw samphire as a garnish for soups, seafood platters, or even for savoury cocktails, like a martini, bloody mary or seaside G&T.

Seasonal Eating With Savery Grazing

At Savery Grazing, we’re passionate about supporting our local farmers and the nature around us, which is why we love shouting about seasonal produce. For delicious recipes that only use the finest seasonal ingredients, as well as foodie tips & tricks, visit our blog page.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact our team. You can also send us a message on Instagram or Facebook!

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Where Can You Buy Samphire?

Sapphire can be found in most large supermarkets. We’ve spotted it in Tesco, M&S, Morrisons, and Waitrose before! You may also be able to find it at your local farmers market, depending on the season. In the US, it is a bit harder to come by, however ordering samphire online is your best bet.

Is Samphire High in Iron?

Yes, samphire is a good source of iron, along with other minerals like iodine, calcium, and magnesium. According to eatthismuch.com, 100g of samphire contains 1 mg of iron.

Is Samphire a Seaweed?

No, samphire is not a seaweed. While it grows in coastal areas, it’s actually a type of succulent. Unlike seaweed (which grows and lives entirely underwater), which is an algae, samphire is a land plant that thrives in salty environments, giving it its distinct flavour.

How Do You Pronounce Samphire?

Samphire is pronounced as sam-fy-er. 

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