The orapi are also known as mountain spinach and are harvested and cultivated in the mountains of the Abruzzo Lazio and Molise National Park and in particular in Picinisco.
They are also called the 'Good Henry' vegetable, in honor of Henry IV, king of Navarre and then of France (1589-1610), protector of botanists and agriculture.
Enrico in 1600 decided to let the hungry population enter his royal park to collect wild herbs and out of gratitude the people gave the name of 'Buon Enrico' to this wild spinach with an inviting flavor.
They are particularly tasty vegetables, and these wild herbs are considered a kind of mountain spinach.
They have “goose foot” shaped leaves. The orapi have a full and robust flavor and are harvested mainly during the summer period.
Traditionally they are cooked boiled and sautéed in a pan. Very tasty are the Gnocchetti alla Orapi with cherry tomatoes, garlic and oil.
Follow us