Wild One Cyprus

foraging food

Salsify

καλακατσούνα

Çayır Teke Sakalı

Scientific Name: Tragopogon porrifolius (Tragopogon sinuatus)

other names: Goat’s Beard

AVAILABLE: FEB-MAY

EDIBLE PARTS:

Description

preparation

the leaves and tender stems can be used raw in salads, or boiled or stir-fried.
The roots have a delicate, slightly sweet flavor and can be used as a coffee substitute. Wash them well, slice them into thin pieces and roast them in the oven until they become dark and fragrant.
Grind the roasted roots and brew them just like you would with coffee grounds. The result is a rich and earthy beverage that can be enjoyed on its own or mixed with other herbs for added flavor.

extra info

Pappus

παππούς

büyükbaba

The pappus is the modified calyx, attached to the seed.

In the case of Salsify and Dandelions it forms a parachute of feathery bristles, caught by the wind for seed dispersal.

The botanical Latin name ‘Pappus’ derives from the Ancient Greek word πάππος (pappos), meaning “grandfather”. In Modern Greek, the word παππούς (pappous) is used for the seed head and grandfather.