Small history

This is an unusual vegetable that reappeared a few years ago - a product forgotten since the 1930s, and now highly appreciated again by gourmets. Its frosted appearance, slightly sour flavor and crisp structure (like purslane) make it a very interesting ingredient.

Ice plant originated in the coastal regions of South Africa, particularly around the Cape of Good Hope. However it is also found in the Canary Islands and Mediterranean regions, such as Greece.

It used to be grown as a decorative, rather than culinary, plant. Growing wild along the sea, it protects itself from the drying effect of the salt spray by covering its leaves and stems in little bladder cells filled with salt water that gleam in the sun, giving the impression of thousands of ice crystals.