Monday, January 17, 2011

Seed Savers Exchange - Prickly Caterpillar

http://www.seedsavers.org/Details.aspx?itemNo=1225
Has anyone grown this plant before? I just bought the seeds this weekend, the lady said that it's a cool garnish that's edible but not yummy. It looks interesting, and being a legume it's useful for nitrogen fixing.

12 comments:

  1. I certainly don't know this plant Amy but wow it would be fun to grow. Even better fun to surprise the guests with at the dinner table..although a warning would suffice not to eat those curly little creatures. Fun Plant you have there.

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  2. Wow! I've never seen this before but it's very novel. how wonderful it would be on a plate. LOL.

    Can't wait to see how yours fare.

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  3. How would you feel seeing this as a garnish in a salad? Or on your sandwich plate?

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  4. first thought would be not to feel hungry anymore. Once i realized what it is, i'd have to taste it.

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  5. LOL! What if you were told ahead of time what it is? Would that help to keep your appetite?

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  6. oh yes it would. and i'd be amazed by it. You thinking it should go on the plates at your family's restaurant?

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  7. For me it would be amusing from both sides of the table but I would not try to eat it. LOL.

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  8. When I harvest a few I'll show them to our Chef, but even if he likes them I don't know if we could get them in large quantities?

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  9. I"m picturing a lil bistro called 'caterpillars' on main street, specializing in soups, salads, sandwiches and pizza by the slice (to keep it vaguely etnic) garnishing everything with this.

    Also thinking it could be a good garnish for a seasonal entre'

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  10. Although I live in Europe I have never seen this one. Seems to be a native of Malta. Also the flower reminds me very much of a common pea,

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  11. It's a legume so it's related to peas. I figure that even if I end up not liking it then at least it'll fix nitrogen for me, and it doesn't seem to take up much garden space.

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