Seakale

Seakale grows wild around the shores of Europe from the Atlantic to the Black Sea. If it grows normally it is bitter and inedible. If, however, the wind covers a young plant with sand, it is cut off from the light and develops a thick, blanched leaf stalk with a tiny, under-developed leaf at the tip. The result is a tender, mild stem vegetable which can be eaten like asparagus, although it takes longer to cook.