The plants around us. Volum II The plant around us. Volum II | Page 29

Gastronomic
uses:
Recipe:
Duck with
Myrtle:
Myrtle berries are used as a spice
throughout the Mediterranean,
where this shrub is native, and
the leaves can be used as an
aromatic herb. The myrtle has not
found a wider audience, since its
flavor is quite bitter and they
have to be used sparingly.
Ingredients:
1 duck
1 or 2 branches of celery
1 carrot, peeled and cut into
thick piece
1 onion, peeled and cut in
quarters
1 sprig of parsley
Enough branches and laves of
myrtle to line the container
-The berries, dried and ground, can be used as a pepper-
like condiment.
-The leaves are also used, crushed or split, to flavor any
type of roasted, grilled, or boiled meat, and can also be
used with fish recipes.
-Whole leaves can be used to flavor vinegar.
-The oils of this plant are used to make perfumes and
soaps
-Digestive; Depurative
Stimulant of the lymphatic system; Sedative; Healing
and Protector of the gastric mucosa
-Place the duck in a large pot, cover it with water, add
salt, celery, onion, carrot, and parsley. Heat over
medium-high heat until the water breaks to boil. Then we
lower the heat, cover the casserole, and let it simmer,
until the duck is tender, about 1 hour and a quarter.
-Once the duck is cooked, drain the liquid, cut the bird in
6-8 pieces and place them in a container lined with
branches and leaves of myrtle. We cover the duck with
more branches and leaves of myrtle, and finally cover it
with a clean kitchen towel, or a clean towel, and let it sit
for 2-3 hours.
-To serve, we passed the pieces of duck to a platter, and
added the garnish to decorate.
Medicinal uses:
-Expectorant, astringent,
chest infections, congestion,
sinusitis.
-Urinary tract disinfectant.
-Clean and heal wounds and
ulcers.
-Remedy digestive disorders.
-Ease cramps and aching legs.
-Hair rinse - promote growth
and shine of dark hair.
- Add sprigs to bath water.
-Helps from stomach cramps,
bloating and nausea.
-Helps from diabetes.
-Protects from DNA damage.
Authors: Paula García, Pablo Zamora,
Andero Kivi & Markus Aaron Nelis