Burnet, Salad Burnet
Sanguisorba minor

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

A perennial herb. It can be grown as an annual. It forms clumps. It grows about 30 cm high. The leaves are produced in pairs about 25 mm apart. The leaves are small and round and deep green. They have teeth around the edge. The leaves have the smell of cucumber. The slender side stems droop giving a feather like appearance. The central stalks have reddish-pink berry like flowers. These have long purple stamens.

There are about 18 Sanguisorba species. Chemical composition: Protein = 5.65%. Fat = 1.23%. Carbohydrate = 11.0%. Ash = 1.72%. Water = 74.5%.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It occurs in mountainous areas of Europe. In Argentina it grows from sea level to 1,800 m above sea level. In Hobart Botanical gardens. It suits hardiness zones 3-8. Tasmania Herbarium.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Africa, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Balkans, Bosnia, Britain, Canada, Central America, Chile, China, Europe (country/location of origin), France, Germany, Guatemala, Hawaii, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Korea, Libya, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Mediterranean, Middle East, North Africa, North America, Pacific, Sicily, Slovakia, Slovenia, South America, Spain, Switzerland, Tasmania, Turkey, Türkiye, USA

How it is used for food

The shoots and leaves are eaten. The leaves have a cucumber taste. They can be added to salads and sauces. They are used in soups and vinegar. The dried leaves are steeped for tea. Young seedlings are boiled and eaten.

Edible parts

Leaves, herb, spice, leaves - tea

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed.

The leaves are harvested when very young when the new young ring of leaves is forming.

Its other names

Local names

Bibernel, Bloodwort, Cayir dugmesi, Dinjica mala, Garden Burnet, Lesser burnet, Mala strašnica, Meluncedde, Pampanella, Pempinela, Pimpinedda, Pimpinel, Pimpinella, Toper's plant, Zabacia zelinka

Synonyms

Poterium sanguisorba Linn.; and many others