I love foraging for Spring flowers and this is one of my favorite recipes using wild violets. Yes, violet flowers are safe to eat. Although, when you pick them, take off the leaves (which are bitter) and discard the stems (which can be slightly toxic). For this recipe, I use 2 cups of freshly picked violets and I do rinse them quickly, making sure that there are no leaves or stem bits left on the flowers.
This lemonade is so refreshing, and is similar to the one served at Epcot during their flower and garden festival in April. I like to add a bit of honey syrup for some sweetness, but you can more or less, according to taste. The violet water you make to add to the lemonade will be a lovely blue color. But when the violet water mixes with the acidic lemonade, it will turn a beautiful pink color. This is a perfect drink to serve with a Sunday brunch or after a long day of working in the garden. Because flower-infused beverages have been around for a long time, Sarah Munro (my PhD historian and heroine in book 2 of the Deadly Force series, ONE DARK WISH), has added her recipe for Violet Lemonade to her collection of DIY herbal recipes.
Sarah Munro’s Violet Lemonade
Ingredients:
Directions:
Put the 2 cups of violet flowers into a glass bowl. Cover the flowers with the 1 cup of filtered boiling water. Allow to steep for 14-24 hours.
Using a large measuring cup or glass bowl with a spout, place a mesh strainer over the top. Strain the violets in the mesh strainer, making sure to mash down the flowers to strain out all of the water.
Pour the violet water into a 2-quart pitcher. Pour the lemon juice over the violet water and stir. (It may look more pink than purple!)
In a small saucepan, add 1 cup of the water with the honey and heat, stirring constantly, until the honey is dissolved. Do not boil! Pour the honey water into the pitcher.
Stir in the remaining water and serve over ice.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER ABOUT WILD PLANTS, FORAGING, AND MAKING HERBAL REMEDIES:
I am not a medical professional and nothing written on this blog is medical advice. None of my statements have been evaluated by the FDA (I am legally required to give you this disclaimer).
It is important to do your due diligence before foraging, harvesting, and/or consuming any type of medicinal plant.
- If you are taking any medications, talk to your doctor about any potential drug interactions.
- If you are allergic to anything, make sure whatever you are foraging is not in the same family. Example: While dandelions are typically considered safe, those who are allergic to ragweed, latex, daisies, or any other plants in the same or similar families, may not be able to consume dandelion.
Always research potential side effects, dosage recommendations, and how to properly prepare and consume each medicinal plant.
Always make sure you are foraging what you believe to be. Fully prepare and study the anatomy before harvesting wild plants.
Always make sure your kitchen/work area is clean and that all materials are sterilized.
Do not forage plants from areas that have been sprayed within the past 2 years at the very least.
I am not legally or morally responsible for the health of any of my readers. Please do your own research!
