Salad Burnet
Sanguisorba minor/ Poterium sanguisorba
Perennial

Description
Salad burnet forms a loose open mound of very finely cut foliage that is almost fern-like in appearance. Plant grows about 12-15 inches tall. Small, pink, round flowers are produced. Leaves impart a cucumber-like taste to foods. In addition to its culinary value, salad burnet also is a nice compliment to the front of a perennial border.

Culture
Salad burnet prefers a full sun location in average garden soil. Once established it is tolerant of dry soil. Plants can be started from seed sown in the spring or fall or from division. Flowers should be removed as they form, in order to encourage the growth of new foliage, and to prevent the plant from forming seeds. Salad burnet will reseed freely and may become weedy in the garden. Divide the plant every 3-4 years to maintain vigor.

Harvesting
Harvest the tender new foliage. Older leaves will be tough and bitter. Best used as a fresh herb.

Use
Salad burnet has a nutty cucumber-like flavor that is used in salads, soups, vinegars and beverages.

Salad burnet is originally from Europe, Asia and Africa before spreading to the other parts of the world. Sanguisorba minor is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family of Rosaceae.
Also known as small burnet or garden burnet, this plant is distinguished by its closely formed clumps that grow in loose rosettes. Salad burnet thrives mainly on limestone soils and dry grasslands all year round and measures up to 90 centimeters tall.
Small burnet is best consumed while the leaves are still very tender before transforming into hard bitter flowers. It usually grows in the form of a rhizomes and has a similar taste with cucumber but tends to be bitter during dry weather conditions. Salad Burnet leaves consist of roughly 12 pairs of toothed, roundish, leaflets that cluster into a rosette. Salad burnet is mainly cultivated using the seeds and can be harvested during the early season of the year when the leaves are still very tender. Some of the amazing benefits of salad burnet are detailed below.
Benefits of Salad Burnet (Sanguisorba)
1. Anti-oxidizing Properties
The leaves and stems of salad burnet are an excellent source of flavonoids known as quercetin, gallic acid, kaempferol and rutin, which are all plant sterols that possess antioxidizing properties. It is noteworthy that salad burnet is capable of neutralizing free radicals in the body that causes chronic diseases such as cancer.
2. Control of Excessive Bleeding
The term Sanguisorba minor is derived from a Latin word known as “Sanguisorba”, which connotes blood absorber. This suggests why this plant is a quick remedy for stopping bleeding. Interestingly, salad burnet can also be infused as herbal tea and taken to stop excessive bleeding and to prevent hemorrhage.
3. Treatment of Gastrointestinal Ailments
Garden burnet can be used for treating stomach problems such as indigestion and diarrhea.
4. Culinary Purposes
The taste of salad burnet leaves is synonymous with that of cucumber thus can be used for flavouring food, drinks and vinegars. The garden burnet leaves can also be used for garnishing salads and for seasoning soups, casseroles and sauces. The seeds are also edible thus can be cooked and eaten alongside with other dishes.
5. Treatment of Rheumatism
Salad burnet can be used for manufacturing medications that treat rheumatism.
6. Treatment of Plagues
Due to the astringent properties of garden burnet, it can be used as a remedy for plague.
7. Control of Cholesterol Level
Salad burnet contains saponins, tannins, ellagitannins and glycosides (sanguisorbins), which are believed to be helpful in reducing the cholesterol level. Another important cholesterol reducing compound in salad burnet is the beta-sitosterol.
8. Treatment of Skin Problems
Salad burnet leaves can be infused and used as a calming treatment for skin-related problems such as eczema, rashes and sunburn.
9. Grazing Purposes
The ability of garden burnet to thrive well in grassy meadows makes it easy for both wild animals and livestock to graze on the plant. Moreover, the plant can survive all year round thus contributes immensely in serving as a perfect forage for animals.
10. Environmental control
Small burnet can be planted as a natural method of controlling weed and preventing erosion.
11. Ornamental Purposes
Garden burnet has very attractive appearance thus can be cultivated around the house for decoration and for adding beauty to the environment.