The Violets Are Here
Ideas for Adding Violets to Your Spring Menu
Yesterday I arrived home from my part-time barista gig at an organic-ish cafe, released my pups out of the house and found *just the spot* to lay on the ground and soak up the sun.
As I let my bones and mind settle, I noticed the violets all around me that had come to greet the sun as well. Day after day I’ve been noticing them, wondering when their floral arrival will be. I said hello & plucked a few flowers, admiring their beauty before dropping them into my mouth.
They are moist, mildly chewy, strong yet delicate. The flavor feels cool and neutralizing to my system. This patch grows on the edge of the woods and into the open lawn, covering the ground and sharing turf with dandelion, burdock and goldenrod.
Violets promote movement in the lymph system and assist in supporting the body after a long winter. They aid in strength of heart and sense of self. Violets provide vitamins and minerals making them a sweet lil healthy plant to implement into connecting with your local flora.
Witness and observe the violets that you’ve come across. Take a deep breath and exhale, allowing yourself to feel into your heart. I invite you to harvest with gratitude, always being mindful of not over-harvesting. My rule is about 10% if not less.
Ideas for Violet Recipes:
Violet Syrup (lemonade, desserts)
Fermented Violet Soda*
Violet Leaf & Flower Infused Oil (dry plant matter first!)
Dried Violets in Your Spring Tea Blend
Violet Flowers & Leaves in Your Salad
Violet Cold Infusion - add citrus juice and sweetener if you’d like
I experimented with a Fermented Violet Soda this year. I’m going to open it after two day and the results will be revealed this evening on the EMB instagram. It’s so simple!! Ingredients include sugar, water & the chopping plant. I’m excited to try this with many local medicinals this year.
Take Care,
Jaime