Plantain

Etymology

Plantain is often found growing along roadsides and is common to cultivated land. The Latin plantago lanceolata, is due to the plant’s similarity in shape to a spear and the broad sole of a foot (planta).

Plantago lanceolata

Characteristics

Plant family	Plantaginaceae
Flowering season	May to September
Harvest	Complete herb in bloom, without roots: May to June
Signature properties	Square stems with spadices up to 50 cm in height growing around the anther
Vegetation	Dry grassland, edge of roads and paths

Recipe

Plantain syrup

Fill a preserving jar with finely chopped plantain leaves. Heat some water and leave to cool until lukewarm. Then add honey. Fill the preserving jar with the mixture. Store in a cool, dark place for three weeks before use.