Wild swiss chard
Beta macrocarpa

Family: Amaranthaceae

What it is like

It is like Sea beet (Beta vulgaris subsp. maritima) except the flower spikes have bracts up to the top.

Probably all Beta are one species and 2 main forms - Cicla - for leaves, and Contiva - for roots. Also put in the family Chenopodiaceae.

Where it is found

It is a Mediterranean climate plant. It grows in slightly salty or sandy areas.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Europe, Greece, Italy, Mediterranean, Morocco, North Africa, Portugal, Spain, Tunisia

How it is used for food

The leaves are cooked in soups and stews. The root is used in soup. It is also dried and crushed and sifted and the flour mixed with barley or wheat flour.

Edible parts

Root, leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Aitiace, Barba, Bendjar, Boumseli, Chaouender, Hatrab, Hezab, Left m 'ta el-baqar, Selg, Selg arbi, Selk, Sellak, Semlakh, Serj, Sildj, Silk el belebcha, Silk, Tibidas

Synonyms

Beta bourgaei Coss.;