Name - Origin
λάπαθο [αλάπαθο].
Annual and perennial plant with elongated, lanceolate leaves with a long stem. It has a sour taste due to its potassium oxalate content. In Cyprus, 10 species grow naturally (Great Encyclopedia of Cyprus, vol. 1, entry αλαπαθκιά,η, 338; Great Encyclopedia of Cyprus, vol. 10, entry ξινιατός,ο, 289)
Scientific name: Rumex patentia of the Polygonidae family (Great Encyclopedia of Cyprus, vol. 1, entry αλαπαθκιά,η, 338).
In Kokkinochoria it is called arkoláhano (note: Kyriaki Panteli).
It is consumed when boiled (salad or with legumes), added to soups, replaces spinach, used instead of vine leaves in koupepia (Karpasia, Kokkinochoria).
Functional and symbolic role
It is used for medicinal purposes (Babiniotis 2005, entry λάπαθο κ. λάπατο,το, 991). It has diuretic properties and is good for the liver (Savvides 1999, 68-69).
Additional information and bibliography
The village of Lapathos owes its name to the species Rumex acetosa, which grows within its boundaries (Great Encyclopedia of Cyprus, vol. 10, entry ξινιατός,ο, 289).
Yangoullis K. G. (2009), Thesaurus of the Cypriot dialect. Interpretative, Etymological, Phraseological and Nomenclatural Dictionary of the Medieval and Modern Cypriot Dialect, Theopress Publications, Nicosia.
Babiniotis G. (2005), Dictionary of the Modern Greek Language. With comments on the correct use of words. Interpretation, Spelling, Etymology, Synonyms-Antonyms, Main Names, Scientific Terms, Acronyms, Center for Lexicology, Athens.
Pavlides A. (ed.) (1984), Great Encyclopedia of Cyprus, vol. 1, Filokypros, Nicosia.
Savvides L. (1999), Αγριόχορτα που τρώγονται: Από τη χλωρίδα της Κύπρου, Print today, Nicosia.
Kyriaki Panteli, Argyro Xenophontos
Foods
Vegetables and greens in the Byzantine era
Vegetables and wild greens have always been an important part of the Cypriot diet.