The Succulent and Crunchy Minutina

Minutina (Plantago coronopus) is also known as buckshorn plantain or herba stella, and is used mostly in salads or as a garnish. It is native to the Mediterranean coasts of Europe and and North Africa but it can be found elsewhere, including the United States, Australia, and New Zealand as an introduced species. It was first recorded in Italy in 1586 as a vegetable and was typically used in salads, had some popularity during the colonial period (and was brought with colonists wherever they went—used medicinally and as food), and has recently received attention as the heirloom vegetable trend has opened up the palettes of consumers.

In our region, minutina is grown as a cool-season vegetable and can tolerate frost well. Best in full sun but a little bit of shade is ok. Not particularly needy as a crop, so the general watering and feeding you’d do for a normal vegetable garden bed is sufficient. It’s low-growing habit makes it easy to tuck into the garden.

Best eaten raw, its nutty, mild flavor adds great texture. It can also be lightly stir-fried. Also used as a garnish.