Chap. XIX.
Blitum.
Blites.
There be diuers sorts of Blites, some whereof I haue entreated in the former part of this worke, vnder the titled Amaranthus, Flower gentle: others that are noursed vp in Gardens, I will set forth in this place, which are onely two, that haue come to my knowledge, that is, the white and the red, and are of a qualitie as neere vnto Arrach as vnto Beetes, participating of both, and therefore I haue placed them betwixt them. The white Blite hath leaues somewhat like vnto Beetes, but smaller, rounder, and of a whitish greene colour, euery one standing vpon a small long footestalke: the stalke riseth vp two or three foote high, with many such like leaues thereon: the flowers grow at the top in long round tufts or clusters, wherein are contained small round seede: the roote is very full of threds or strings.
The red Blite is in all things like the white, but that his leaues and tufted heades are exceeding red at the first, and after turne more purplish.
The Vse of Blites.
Blites are vsed as Arrach, eyther boyled of it selfe or stewed, which they call Loblolly, or among other herbes to bee put into the pot; and yet some doe vtterly refuse it, because in diuers it prouoketh castings. It is altogether insipide or without taste, but yet by reason of the moist slipperie qualitie it hath, it helpeth to loosen the belly. The vnsauorinesse whereof hath in many Countries growne into a prouerbe, or by-word, to call dull, slow, or lazie persons by that name: They are accounted more hurtfull to the stomacke, and so to the head and eyes, then other herbes, and therefore they are the lesse vsed.