The purple

Mallow, this aromatic plant with multiple benefits, is an essential in the kitchen and in our garden. Known for its medicinal properties, mallow also offers an explosion of delicate and delicious flavors that enrich our dishes. Let's discover together how to cultivate and maintain this plant to enjoy it all year round or almost.

Mallow, its scientific name Malva sylvestris, is a perennial plant native to Europe and Asia. It is characterized by its round and fluffy leaves as well as its purple or white flowers. In addition to its decorative appearance, mallow has many medicinal virtues. It is particularly known for being soothing, emollient and slightly laxative. It is also used to treat throat inflammation and to relieve skin irritation.

On a culinary level, mallow turns out to be a real gem. Its leaves, with a subtle and slightly sweet taste, are eaten raw in salads or cooked like spinach. They can also be used to flavor soups or sauces. Mallow flowers, for their part, are often crystallized and used to decorate pastries.

To grow mallow, it is best to sow it in spring or fall. It prefers well-drained, fertile and slightly acidic soil. Before sowing the seeds, it is recommended to soak them in lukewarm water for a few hours to facilitate their germination. Then, simply scatter the seeds on the previously prepared soil and gently cover them with potting soil.

Regarding the maintenance of mallow, it is relatively simple. It is important to keep the soil moist, but not soggy, by watering the plant regularly. Light mulching around the base of the mallow helps conserve moisture and also prevents weed growth. It is recommended to pinch young plants regularly to encourage the development of foliage.

Mallow can be grown in pots or in the ground. In areas with cold winters, it is best grown in pots so that it can be brought indoors during the cold season. In this case it is essential to place the pot in a sunny location and provide a balanced fertilizer every two weeks to ensure optimal growth of the plant.

In conclusion, mallow is an essential aromatic plant which offers numerous benefits for our health and which enriches our dishes with its delicate flavors. Easy to grow and maintain, it can be sown in spring or fall and requires well-drained and fertile soil. Whether used in salads, soups or pastries, mallow brings a touch of sweetness and subtlety to our dishes. So, don't wait any longer and start growing this precious plant to enjoy it all year round or almost.