Eryngo

/ɪˈrɪŋɡoʊ/ noun

Definition

A common name for eryngium, particularly sea holly; historically, candied eryngo roots were eaten as a delicacy and medicinal sweet.

Etymology

From Greek eryngion, contracted and anglicized to 'eryngo.' The term appears frequently in Renaissance English texts describing both the plant and the confection made from its roots.

Kelly Says

Shakespeare mentions eryngo in 'The Merry Wives of Windsor'—it was so famous as an aphrodisiac candy that the Bard used it as a joke, showing how every era has its food-based myths about boosting romance.

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