Barba di Cappuccino

(Buckhorn plantain; Barbatella; Erba stella) In southern Italy this wild green with jagged lance-like leaves is added to tasty mixed salads called misticanze. It grows along the rocky coasts where it forms neat star-like annual or perennial clumps up to 30cm (1ft) high. The leaves are slightly bitter and salty at the same time. Even the older, less tender leaves can be blanched for a few seconds and added to salads. In Italy leaves are usually collected from the wild, but they are easily grown also. And what’s the connection to cappuccino? It’s nothing to do with the hot beverage! Rather, it is believed that the plant’s name "Barba di Cappuccino" comes from a passing resemblance to the beards of Franciscan monks belonging to the Capuchin order. 70-75 days.