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Produce Briefs...
Ramps
The wild ramp, AKA wild leek, botanical name Allium tricoccum, is a flowering perennial plant that grows in clusters. It is a member of the Allium family along with onions and leeks
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime is a cross between a sour, loose skinned mandarin and a kumquat, therefore technically making it an orangequat.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Description/Taste
Sticky Monkey flower is a woody bush between .5 and 1.2 meters tall. It has deep green blade-shaped leaves that release a sticky resin when cut open. The leaves are slightly bitter with a flavor that is a cross between sage and mint. The tubular blossoms are said to resemble the fuzzy face of a monkey and range in color from pale salmon to deep crimson. They are quite mild and are mostly used for aesthetic purposes.
Seasons/Availability
Sticky Monkey flower grows year-round with blossoms available in the spring and summer.
Current Facts
Sticky Monkey flower or Bush Monkey flower is botanically named Mimulus aurantiacus. It is a perennial shrub in the snapdragon family with edible leaves, blossoms and roots. The shrub is also ornamental, attracting hummingbirds, butterflies and other insects.
Applications
The leaves of Sticky Monkey may be added raw into salads for a clean herbal background. When steeped for five minutes they become a minty tea with an herbal sage quality. Sticky Monkey's strong and bitter flavor make it an ideal accompaniment to rich meats as a marinade or finishing herb. The flowers are very sturdy and take well to a coating of sugar for dessert dishes. Both the leaves and blossoms make vibrant garnishes for sweet or savory applications.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
The Miwok and Pomo Native Americans used Sticky Monkey flower and roots for their antiseptic properties in the treatment of minor scrapes and burns.
Geography/History
Sticky Monkey flower is native to southwestern United States. It grows wild throughout Oregon and California, and is often planted in domestic gardens throughout other parts of the country. Sticky Monkey flower is a drought tolerant species that thrives in most soil types with sufficient drainage. It may be found in sunny Chapparal habitats or partially shaded Oak Woodlands.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Sticky Monkey Flowers. One
is
easiest, three is harder.| Wild Food Plants |
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Sticky Monkey Flower Tea |
