Salsify (Tragopogon porrifolius)

Salsify (Tragopogon porrifolius): ancient herbaceous also called Rooster's Beard, it grows spontaneously in many regions of Italy, the root, that reaches 40 cm has a sweetish pulp thanks to inulin, a natural prebiotic, it is also rich in fiber . It is sown in spring and consumed throughout the winter. In addition to its great nutritional characteristics, it is very easy to grow. It requires loose soil, and adapts very well raised beds. It does not require preventive fertilization and has a very limited water requirements. Sowing from March to July, it is biennial, which means that to get collect the seeds it is necessary to wait until the spring following the sowing. It is consumed in many ways, fried as well as boiled. An interesting fact is that it is completly edible, even the leaves, that have a taste similar to oysters, in England they are widely used.