Sea beans: The most common American term for samphire
While the name "samphire" is more prevalent in the United Kingdom, particularly for the marsh variety (Salicornia europaea), Americans typically refer to this versatile, salt-tolerant plant as sea beans. This moniker is quite fitting, given its appearance; the plump, fleshy green stems resemble tiny green beans. These "sea beans" can be found proliferating on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of North America, where they are gathered seasonally.
Additional American names for salicornia
Beyond the widely used "sea beans," this versatile plant goes by several other colorful and descriptive names across the United States and Canada. These names often highlight its physical characteristics or its coastal habitat. Some of the most common alternatives include:
- Sea asparagus: This name highlights the plant's resemblance to small shoots of asparagus, especially when cooked.
- Glasswort: Historically, the ash from burned salicornia was a crucial ingredient in glass-making, giving rise to this older, more traditional name.
- Pickleweed: The briny, salty taste makes this plant a perfect candidate for pickling, and the name "pickleweed" is used in various coastal regions.
- Marsh samphire: In some regions, the more specific term "marsh samphire" is used to distinguish the edible variety (Salicornia) from the unrelated but similarly-named rock samphire (Crithmum maritimum).
- Sea pickle: Another reference to its salty flavor and pickling potential.
Marsh vs. Rock Samphire: A key distinction
One of the most important things to understand when discussing samphire and its American equivalents is that there are two distinct and unrelated plants that bear the name "samphire." This often causes confusion, as the edible marsh variety is the one most commonly encountered and referred to as "sea beans" in the U.S..
| Feature | Marsh Samphire (Salicornia) | Rock Samphire (Crithmum maritimum) |
|---|---|---|
| American Name | Sea Beans, Sea Asparagus | Not commonly found or named in US |
| Plant Family | Amaranthaceae (Beet and Spinach family) | Apiaceae (Parsley and Carrot family) |
| Appearance | Fleshy, segmented, bright green stems | Bushy with fine leaves and white flowers |
| Habitat | Salt marshes, mudflats, estuaries | Coastal cliff faces, rocky shores |
| Flavor | Briny, salty, clean, and crisp | More pungent, spicy, or aromatic |
| Availability | More common and cultivated | Hard to find, often protected |
Culinary uses and preparation of sea beans
Sea beans are a chef's delight due to their unique, salty crunch and vibrant green color. They can be enjoyed both raw and cooked, making them a versatile addition to a wide range of dishes. Their natural salinity means you should almost never add extra salt during cooking.
- Raw: For a simple, crisp snack or a flavorful addition to salads, simply rinse sea beans thoroughly and add them directly.
- Blanched: A quick dip in boiling water (no salt needed) for just a minute or two will soften the texture slightly while preserving their crispness and color.
- Sautéed: Sautéing sea beans with a bit of garlic and olive oil is a popular method that creates a delicious and quick side dish. They cook very quickly, so be careful not to overcook them, as they will lose their color and become soggy.
- Pickled: Pickling is an excellent way to preserve the bounty of the summer season and enjoy sea beans year-round.
- Pairing: Given their coastal habitat and salty flavor, sea beans pair exceptionally well with seafood. They can be served alongside fish, shrimp, oysters, and other shellfish. They also complement lamb, chicken, and other meat dishes.
Where to find sea beans in the US
While samphire might be a staple in European fishmongers, finding sea beans in the US requires knowing where to look. They are increasingly available due to growing interest in foraging and specialty ingredients.
- Specialty Grocers: High-end supermarkets like Whole Foods or other specialty grocery stores often carry sea beans during their peak season, typically late spring through summer.
- Farmers' Markets: In coastal regions, you can often find wild-foraged or sustainably farmed sea beans at local farmers' markets. The peak season is from May to September.
- Online Purveyors: Some online retailers and food purveyors ship fresh sea beans to customers across the country. They may also be available pickled in jars.
- Wild Foraging: For the adventurous, sea beans can be foraged from coastal marshes and tidal flats, but it is crucial to forage responsibly and only from clean, unpolluted areas. Always confirm it's legal to forage in the specific area and learn proper identification before harvesting.
Conclusion: From samphire to sea beans
So, what is samphire called in the US? While the British name might cause a moment of confusion, the American terms "sea beans" and "sea asparagus" point to the same delicious and unique coastal plant. Whether raw in a salad or lightly sautéed with fish, this salty succulent is a flavorful and nutritious ingredient to seek out. Next time you're browsing a specialty grocer or exploring a coastal farmers' market, keep an eye out for these crunchy, briny gems, and try adding a taste of the seaside to your cooking.
Interested in sustainable food sources? Consider learning more about vertical saltwater farming which cultivates salicornia and other salt-tolerant crops.
