■ Red Flash Mildew is a native plant, native to southern Europe and feral here.
■ Mildew has ornamental value, but its original use is as a leaf vegetable.
■ Preparation and use of the young, shiny, red leaves are similar to e.g. spinach, only the harvest time is much longer.
■ Leaves can be picked all year round, as long as they are not discoloured or withered.
■ The flavour is finer than spinach or, e.g. sorrel, and contains many minerals.
■ Cut at about 20 cm from the ground.
■ Easy to raise crop.