Local Herbs

Traditionally Midsummer is the time for harvesting the manzanilla [chamomile] (Santolina chamaecyparissus var. vedranensis) endemic to the Balearic Islands, and also frigola [wild Mediterranean thyme] (Thymus capitatus), so I was out this morning with shears and basket. The manzanilla is perennial and much stronger in taste than the delicate annual chamomile that is sold the world over as a herbal tea. A small root that I took from a friend's garden some seven or eight years ago has now developed into a metre wide low-growing bush, it needs no watering and thrives on neglect. I harvested two large bunches that I tied with string and are now hanging, flowers pointing downwards, in the pantry to dry.


Frigola is a beautiful herb. The bright flowers in June attract bumblebees and in fact there were several buzzing around whilst I was harvesting this morning. It is very difficult to transplant a frigola so we are very lucky to have some growing on our land. I remember when I first moved here, and the old people were still working the farms, the very delicious summer figs (higos flor) were cut open and dried, then clapped together with a frigola flower inside, sometimes an almond too, and stored in big ceramic jars. The tradition seems to have died out now because I don't know anybody who still makes these little treats unfortunately. Frigola flowers are also used to make a liqueur of the same name. It is quite sweet and served with or without ice. I'll dry the flowers and store them in a jar. They're wonderful sprinkled over eggs and fish, the colour of the dried flowers being very pretty too.