What is Monk's beard?

Monk's beard — No fashionable menu is complete without monk's beard, or barbarata de fratea. Known in the UK as 'goat's beard' or 'Johnny go to bed at noon', these little green shoots are grown in Tuscany, where they're only in season for five weeks of the year. Similar in appearance to samphire, it's best prepared by light steaming and served with lemon or olive oil. It can also be added to risotto.