The locksmith, also known as cerrajón, lechecino or lechuguilla, and whose scientific name is Sonchus oleraceus, is one of the most versatile wild plants with the greatest culinary and medicinal potential. Belonging to the family AsteraceaeThis annual herbaceous species—rarely biennial—stands out for its extraordinary adaptability and multiple applications. In this article, we'll detail the care required for sow thistle, its botanical characteristics, We take care of your rental property in Valencia. , traditional uses y nutritional value, and we will guide you in its use both in the garden and in the kitchen and natural medicine.
Botanical characteristics of the sow thistle
- Common name: locksmith, locksmith, milkmaid, lettuce.
- Scientific name: Sonchus oleraceus.
- Family: Asteraceae.
- Lifecycle: annual, although it can be biennial depending on the climate.
- Distribution: originally from the Mediterranean area and spread throughout Europe, it is currently found naturalized throughout the world and is common on roadsides, fields, gardens and orchards.
The lock can reach between 30 and 100 cm high, presenting an erect stem that secretes a white latex when cut. The leaves, which vary from oval to pinnatisect, usually have serrated or toothed margins and frequently display reddish or violet hues on the underside. The yellow flowers, grouped in chapters that form terminal clusters, are reminiscent of those of the dandelion (Taraxacum officinale). Its fruit is an achene with a whitish pappus, which facilitates wind dispersal.
Locksmith care
- Climate: The sow thistle is very hardy and can tolerate both low and high temperatures, although it prefers temperate climates.
- Solar exposition: It develops best in sunny or semi-shady places.
- Substratum: It grows in all types of soils, even those that are nutrient-poor or compacted. It prefers slightly moist, well-drained soils, but is capable of growing in adverse conditions.
- Irrigation: It doesn't require large amounts of water and tolerates periods of drought. However, regular watering promotes more tender and larger leaves.
- Multiplication: It spreads easily through seeds dispersed by the wind, thanks to its silky pappus. It can also regenerate through roots.
- Maintenance: It's a competitive plant, so if you grow it intentionally, it's important to ensure it doesn't invade unwanted areas. It's easy to eliminate by uprooting the entire plant before it bears fruit.
Medicinal properties and nutritional value
The locksmith contains a diverse composition of Flavonoids (such as luteolin, cynaroside, quercetin and lupeol), lactones, tannins, anthraquinones, alkaloids, coumarins, steroids and sesquiterpene glycosides. Throughout history, it has been attributed with action laxative, carminative, cholagogue, diuretic and depurative.
Among its traditional uses is the preparation of infusions with dried leaves or roots, used to help with digestive and liver disorders, fever, rheumatic pain, asthenia, and infections. Locally, the fresh leaves are applied to poultices on the skin to treat inflammation, although latex can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive people.
In some cultures, the juice from the dried and roasted root is used as a coffee substitute. Eating it in salads or as a cooked vegetable provides fibers, minerals and micronutrients They are appreciated in balanced diets. There are even classic documents that mention their use to stimulate breast milk production and as a food source against scurvy on long sea voyages.
Culinary uses of sow thistle
The young leaves They are especially appreciated for their mild and slightly sweet flavorThey are eaten raw in salads, mixed with other greens, or cooked, successfully replacing spinach or chard in traditional recipes.
- In the Liguria region, the leaves are part of the pre-production, a wild mixture of culinary herbs.
- In modern recipes it can be used in tortillas, stews, savory cakes or simply sautéed with garlic and onion.
Sow thistle is a staple in wild and recycled cooking, adding a special touch to any dish, especially if harvested before flowering, when the leaves are most tender.
Related species and other names
There are several species within the genus Sonchus. The most common are:
- Sonchus asper (thorny sowwort or bird grass).
- Sonchus spinosus.
Popular names vary by region—in Chile, nilhue; in Bolivia, kapanaco; in Brazil, serralha espinhenta; in English, spiny sowthistle.
The locksmith It is an extremely plant versatile and easy to care for. Whether you use it for its edible value, its medicinal properties, or simply to enrich your vegetable garden, its hardiness and hardiness make it a recommended choice for beginners and experts alike. Respected in Mediterranean tradition and rediscovered by modern cuisine, sow thistle deserves a place in any sustainable vegetable or garden.
