Bulbous Chervil

Cyperus esculentus Tigernut, or earth almond, is a crop cultivated for its edible tubers. The small roots have an almond or coconut taste. Also called yellow nutsedge, the plant is considered a pest in some regions. In Southern Ontario, farmers are desperately trying to get rid of the invasor, in vain. In Quebec, the winters are too cold, the plant dies and cannot reproduce. Tigernut is used in the preparation of a sweet, milk-like beverage, known in Spain as horchata de chufa. In Africa, it is common at local markets. People eat it as a snack, just like peanut or coconut. It is also used to produce oil, juice, and flour. It is one of the oldest plants grown in Ancient Egypt. Tigernut was probably an important food source at the time. For instance, during dynastic periods, it was used to make cakes.

Heirloom variety introduced to the Saint Lawrence River Valley by French settlers in the 17th Century. It is still eaten today and makes delicious pea soup. High yielding plants. They will need trellising and can grow up to 1 meter tall. The Potager d'Antan reports this story : « According to an old European tradition dating back from the 15th Century, Hubertus, patron saint of hunters, was associated with the pea soup. To make a long story short, during his lifetime, in the 7th Century, Hubert went astray, hunted on Good Friday, and while pursuing a stag, he had a vision in which he saw the animal with a crucifix between its antlers and heard a voice enjoining him to lead a holy life. Hubertus later performed many miracles, evangelized pagans in distant countries, and erected temples dedicated to the Lord. He died on May 30, 727. His relics were translated on November 3, 743. His feast day is November 3 in Belgium and May 30 in France. In memory of Saint Hubert, European settlers in Quebec supposedly kept the name of this pea variety, used in the preparation of the « hunting soup ». For the complete story, visit the Potager d’Antan website. This variety is very rare and is considered endangered.   Package: 30 seeds

Ancient corn variety introduced in the U.S. during the 1890s. The plant can reach more than 2 m in height, and produces 2 to 3 cobs of 20 cm. The long and white grains are not organized in rows, but instead in a completely irregular way. The taste is delicate and sweet. Requires a longer cooking time to fully bring the flavour out. Delicious on the BBQ. Package: 60 seeds

** CANNOT BE SHIPPED OUTSIDE OF CANADA ** ***Keep the root cuttings refrigerated until planting time, and make sure they stay moist. The taproot of this plant has a spicy yet delicate taste. It was once referred to as the "poors' pepper", given the historical high price of pepper. Grated, the root can be used as a condiment, to substitute mustard. It has purgative, digestive, rubefaciant, and stimulating properties. It is also rich in Vitamin C. Its absorption eases fat digestion. Package: 5 root splices

Ancient variety widely grown in the USA in the 19th Century. The skin is white except for the part sticking out from the ground, which is bright purple. The flesh is white, firm and sweet. The roots grow to be 7 to 10 cm wide. Very hardy to the cold. The foliage, slightly spicy when young, are delicious in sautés, soups, or steamed, on top of being rich in vitamins.   Package: 400 seeds Photo Credit: Ferme de Sainte-Marthe

Beautiful golden-orange skin with yellow striped flesh. Doesn't bleed and will not stain your fingers. Delicious sweet taste, raw or cooked, as you like it. Keeps its colour when cooked. All parts are edible, the buttery green leaves and yellow stems are almost as good as the gold root.

Very easy to grow, only requires love.

 

Pkt : 60 seeds.