Violet leaves can be eaten fresh in salad; as a cooked green, as a soup thickener, or dried for tea or tincturing. Violet flowers can be eaten fresh, candied, frozen in ice cubes, made into jam or dried for tea or tincturing.
These beauties were destined for a bottle of good vodka; to make violet extract/tincture. I use the tincture to flavor drinks, cakes, cookies and muffins; as well as medicinally, as a tonic.
What is green, full of beneficial phytochemicals, helps clear toxins from the body, boosts immunity, relieves inflammation, makes hair and skin radiant, tastes wonderful and packs a zing?
Give up? Can't touch this!
Some years ago, while walking the Old Mill Trail in Hinsdale, MA, with my daughter, we came upon a patch of a somewhat familiar looking plant. Although neither of us could immediately identify them, we both felt like we recognized what it was, yet could not pull up the name.
It's Wisteria Time, Again! I went back to the Wisteria spot that I discovered last year, and it was prolific. Several photos from last years post have been replaced, and more added. The flowers frozen last year remained wonderfully, until last month. Thank goodness they are back!
Did you know that Forsythia, Forsythia spp., flowers are edible? I didn’t, either; until I watched the DVD:
"Edible plants: Wild + Tame" (Spring) by Blanche Cybele Derby. (1)
In the video Derby suggests using the flowers in salad. I had never heard of such a thing, so began to do further research. Indeed the flowers are edible and can be used fresh in salads.
Nothing says spring like the first, tall glass of iced Liquid Sunshine, Dandelion tea. As if it's delightful, honey, floral flavor weren't enough, Dandelion, Taraxacum officinale, tea is very beneficial.
"The name of the genus, Taraxacum, is derived from the Greek taraxos (disorder), and akos (remedy), on account of the curative action of the plant. A possible alternative derivation of…
While out digging Sassafras, Sassafras albidum, roots, a woman stopped, along her way.
She asked, "What are you doing?"
I answered, twig in mouth, "Making tea!"
With a cheerful, "REALLY" she came on over, to investigate; full of questions! We had a fun, show and tell, session. I offered her a meristem (young, still growing, stem), to sample, explaining that it was my favorite toothbrush, and delicious.
The parsley family presents a formidable challenge for the urban forager. As a large family of typically aromatic plants, it contains many herbs such as cilantro, fennel, and lovage – all of which complement and enhance routine culinary experiences. Yet, nefarious members like hemlock (Conium spp.) or water hemlock (Cicuta spp.) contain powerful neurotoxins that can be deadly even in small doses.
