My name is Alexanders (Smyrnium olusatrum), and my story began in the ancient gardens of Rome.
Standing proudly along these wind-swept coastal cliffs, I’ve watched civilisations rise and fall, carrying my secrets through time.
You might wonder why I chose to reveal myself now. Perhaps it’s because I see the same hunger in modern eyes that I once saw in Roman ones—a yearning to reconnect with nature’s forgotten bounty.
My leaves whisper tales of monastery gardens where monks treasured me before celery stole my crown.
Let me share my gifts with you. My tender shoots emerge in spring, crisp and aromatic like parsley mixed with myrrh.
Blanch them briefly, and they’ll surrender their sweet flavour to your soups and stews.
My flower buds arrive by early summer—tiny declarations of abundance that transform into delectable morsels when pickled or fried.
But wait—there’s more beneath the surface. My roots hold a special surprise, earthier and more complex than any parsnip you’ve tasted.
In autumn, my seeds turn black as night, carrying a spicy secret that can transform your dishes with just a pinch.
I’ve sustained sailors battling scurvy and monks tending their gardens. Now, I stand ready to nourish a new generation seeking connection with their food.
Look for me near the sea, where my yellow-green flowers dance in umbrella-shaped clusters against ancient stone walls.
I’ve been waiting here, ready to share my centuries-old wisdom with those willing to learn nature’s subtle language.