Edible bouquet for the practical Estonian
On
20. august Estonia celebrated the 26th anniversary of its reindependence, known as
taas/ise/seisvusmis/päev (Reindependence Day). It landed on
püha/päev (Sunday) this year, which meant no extra day off work... But happily, that will not be the case for the next 4 years. On that day, we also happened to be celebrating a mere mortal's
sünni/päev (birthday) and guests brought tokens of appreciation aka
kingitused (gifts), including this
söödav kimp (edible bouquet) from a backyard in the Kassi/saba ("Cat's Tail") neighbourhood of Tallinn.
The blossoms are yellow
SAIA/LILL (calendula officinalis, pot marigold), which can be eaten in salads or as a garnish, tied around your sore finger, or dried for tea.
Saia/lille petals (
kroon/lehed) range from yellow to bright orange, they close their blossoms at night, and their name means "white bread flower" in Estonian. They are powerhouses of healing.
Extending outward are stalks of
MELISS (melissa officinalis, lemon balm), which makes another yummy tea. Its relative
PIPAR/MÜNT is on the left and beneath the
õied (blossoms) are the long, lobed leaves of the
maitse/taim (herb) Estonians call
RUKOLA. It's native to the
Vahe/mere (Mediterranean) region, and Italians call it rucola. In Britain and Australia it's known as rocket (from the French
roquette) and in North America, you call it arugula, which is also from an Italian dialect. The
sõna/raamat (ye old book o' words) claims its official Estonian name is
põld-võõrkapsas ("field foreign cabbage"), which is misleading, since it belongs to the
sinep (mustard) family, hence its pungent strong flavour. But everyone calls it
rukola here anyway.
At the very bottom are the red leaves of
punane JÄNESE/KAPSAS (red wood sorrel), which people mistake for
ristik (clover) because of its leaves, and therefore also call it
õnne/ristik (lucky shamrock). In this
kimp (bouquet) we have the decorative, garden, red-leafed variety; in the woods it's green. Both are wonderfully sour and edible, as any
karjane (shepherd) can attest to. Perfect in salads and soups. Practical is beautiful!
Jätku! May there be enough to eat.
Riina Kindlam, Tallinn
