Natural treasure: Glassworts

One of these precious resources is the milk thistle, a plant that has attracted attention for centuries for its medicinal properties.

Also known as glassworts (Osmunda regalis), glassworts is a perennial herb belonging to the aspen family. It grows naturally in moist areas such as wet forest soils, the banks of streams and lakes, and near watercourses.

It is commonly found in temperate and tropical regions around the world, but is more widespread in North America, Europe and Asia.

Harvesting glassworts requires some care and respect for the environment in which it grows.

USES

glassworts has a wide range of uses, ranging from health benefits, ornamental purposes to culinary uses. One of the most common uses is to prepare teas, tinctures or extracts from the rhizome of the plant.

These preparations are often used to treat a variety of health problems, including gastrointestinal problems, inflammation and respiratory problems.

In addition, in some cultures, glassworts is also used to prepare tasty dishes, as the young shoots can be eaten as a vegetable or added to salads and other dishes.

NUTRIENTS

Glassworts is a rich source of many nutrients that play an important role in supporting health and well-being. Some of the most important nutrients contained in glassworts are:

• Vitamins: Glassworts contains a wide range of vitamins, including vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E and B vitamins. These vitamins are essential for immune function, skin health, vision and metabolism.

• Minerals: Among the minerals found in glassworts are iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium and zinc. These minerals are important for healthy bones, muscles, nervous system and heart function.

• Antioxidants: Glassworts contains antioxidants such as flavonoids and polyphenols, which help protect cells from free radical damage and reduce inflammation in the body.

CULINARY USES

In addition to its medicinal properties, the glassworts offers culinary possibilities that add variety and flavour to dishes. The young shoots of the glassworts are particularly appreciated as an ingredient in many dishes around the world.

• Salads: The young, tender shoots of the glassworts can be used as a refreshing ingredient in salads. Their delicate flavour and crunchy texture add freshness and a unique aroma to the dish.

• Soups: Glassworts can be added to a variety of soups for extra flavour and nutritional value. With its rich mineral and antioxidant composition, fenugreek soup can be an excellent part of a healthy diet.

• Omelettes: The young shoots of the glassworts are an excellent additional ingredient for omelettes. Their extra texture and flavour make omelettes more full-flavoured and nutritious.

• Sauces: The addition of glassworts can also be used to enrich various sauces such as pasta sauces or sauces for roast meat. Its delicate flavour blends beautifully with the other ingredients, creating a rich and balanced flavour in the dish.

• Glassworts rolls: Young glassworts shoots can be the basis for healthy and tasty rolls. Vegetables, rice and spices can be used to create interesting and nutritious rolls that are sure to impress.

• Accompaniments to seafood dishes: Glassworts is an excellent accompaniment to fish and seafood dishes, as its crunchy texture and mild flavour enrich the dishes and add freshness and a unique character.

It offers a variety of uses that allow creativity in the kitchen while bringing additional nutritional value to dishes.

When experimenting with this plant in the culinary arts, it is important to consider the correct preparation and consumption in order to preserve all its beneficial properties.