Whether youve stumbled upon samphire at your local farmers market or have been curious to try it for some time, our comprehensive guide will teach you how to cook samphire to perfection. From selecting and storing to various cooking techniques, weve got you covered.
It’s a succulent plant of the Salicornia species and looks like a miniature cactus (though without spines). Samphire will keep for up to five days in a fridge but ideally, eat when as fresh as possible.
How to store samphire
- Refrigeration: Store fresh samphire in a loosely wrapped plastic bag with a damp paper towel in the refrigerator for up to five days.
- Freezing: You can also freeze samphire for longer storage. Blanch it first, then shock it in ice water, drain well, and freeze in airtight bags or containers for up to six months.
Incorporating samphire into salads
- Simple samphire salad: Toss blanched samphire with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing salad.
- Samphire, tomato, and feta salad: Combine blanched samphire, cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, red onion, and fresh basil with a lemony dressing.
- Samphire and avocado salad: Mix blanched samphire, diced avocado, cucumber, and red bell pepper, then drizzle with a lime and cilantro dressing.
Ask the Test Kitchen: How Long Will Meat Last in the Fridge?
FAQ
How do I know if my samphire is off?
Colour and texture: Look for samphire with bright green colour and firm, crisp stems. Avoid any samphire that appears limp, brown, or slimy. Smell: Fresh samphire should have a pleasant, slightly salty smell reminiscent of the sea. If it smells sour or off, it’s past its prime.
Is samphire safe to eat raw?
Samphire can be used raw in salad if it’s rinsed well, but because it tends to be very salty, it’s more often cooked – either briefly fried in butter, for a couple of minutes in simmering water, or in a steamer for a few minutes. Whatever you do, don’t add any more salt to the water.
Can fresh samphire be frozen?
Best eaten immediately. Store in the fridge between 0ºC-5ºC, and eat within 10 days. If you don’t plan to eat within 3 days, then freeze on day of delivery and eat within 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight.
Can samphire be eaten cold?
It can be used raw in salad, though it tends to be very salty, so is more often boiled or steamed for a few minutes.