A peppery plant (Lepidium latifolium) with white flowers, historically used as a condiment and for medicinal purposes.
From Dutch 'dittander' or German 'Dittender,' ultimately from the same Mediterranean root as dittamy. The name reflects Northern European adoption of this Mediterranean plant into culinary traditions.
Dittander was the 'pepper substitute' of medieval Europe before black pepper became affordable, making it a key spice for common people—then it nearly disappeared when global trade flooded Europe with cheaper alternatives.
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