Crithmum Maritimum Pesto – Amazing Rock Samphire Pesto

Capture the essence of the coastal treasure, Crithmum maritimum, in a delicious and versatile Crithmum maritimum pesto that can be stored in your pantry for longer enjoyment.

Popular names for this plant are Rock Samphire, Sea Fennel and Criste Marine. In Croatia, where I’ve harvested it, it’s called Matar or Motar. I’ve used the fancy Latin name Crithmum Maritimum for this pesto, just to make sure we don’t get the names mixed up 😉

This aromatic and nutritious pesto is a wonderful way to preserve the flavours of this precious herb throughout the year.

What can you do with rock samphire?

Sprinkle over pasta, make a pizza dough topping with Crithmum Maritimum pesto, spread on focaccia, use with mashed potatoes or as a fish marinade – the possibilities are endless.

Let’s embark on a culinary adventure and create a Crithmum Maritimum Pesto that you will treasure for months to come.

Amazing Crithmum Maritimum (Rock Samphire) Pesto

Difficulty: Easy

Servings

5

samller jars

Prep time

10

minutes

Ingredients

• 100g Crithmum Maritimum leaves (washed and dried)

• 20g pine nuts

• 15g pumpkin seeds

• 50g Parmesan cheese (grated)

• 150ml extra-virgin olive oil

Directions

• Harvest and wash the Crithmum Maritimum leaves, ensuring they are free from dirt. Pat them dry gently with paper towels or a clean kitchen cloth.
• In a dry skillet over medium heat, lightly toast the nuts and seeds until they become golden and release their nutty aroma. Be sure to stir them frequently to prevent burning. Once toasted, remove them from the skillet and set them aside to cool.
• Add the Crithmum Maritimum leaves to the same pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
• In a food processor or blender, combine the toasted seeds and nuts, baked Crithmum Maritimum leaves, grated Parmesan cheese. I don’t add anything else to this pesto – the Crithmum Maritimum leaves are healthy and aromatic on their own and I don’t see the need to add anything else. However, if you do want to add something, feel free to. with a pinch of salt and black pepper for a balanced flavour.
• With the food processor or blender running, gradually drizzle the extra-virgin olive oil into the mixture. Continue blending until all the ingredients are well combined and vibrant green pesto is formed.
• Transfer the Crithmum maritimum pesto into sterilized and airtight glass jars. Ensure that the jars are filled to the top to minimize air exposure. Seal the jars tightly to prevent any air from entering.

Recipe Video

Notes

• To extend the shelf life, you can top off the jars with a thin layer of olive oil before sealing them. The oil acts as a barrier, helping to preserve the pesto. Store the sealed pesto jars in a cool, dry, and dark pantry or cupboard. The pesto can be safely stored in the pantry for up to 6 months, although it’s best to consume it within the first few weeks to enjoy its freshest flavors.
• Label each jar with the contents and the date of preparation. Proper labeling will help you identify the pesto easily and keep track of its shelf life.
• Always use clean and dry utensils when scooping pesto from the jar to prevent contamination and spoilage.
• If you wish to store the pesto for an even longer period, consider freezing it in ice cube trays and transferring the frozen cubes into a freezer-safe container. This way, you can enjoy a taste of summer all year round.

Identifying Crithmum Maritimum (Rock Samphire) – Amazing Wild Mediterranean

Can you eat Crithmum Maritimum (Rock Samphire)?

There is a common mistake people make when it comes to the edibility of Crithmum Maritimum (Rock Samphire). Many people think that it is edible only in May, when it has a lighter green colour, but this is not true. Crithmum Maritimum is edible all year round. And you can harvest it at any time. The only difference is the taste, which is more intense in some seasons than in others. If you pick soft, not hard, woody leaves, you will be able to enjoy and appreciate this wild gem all year round. Even the flowers are edible at all stages of its growth.

Nutritional values for the given Crithmum Maritimum Pesto recipe are as follows:

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands of ingredients used.