Lately I've spoken to several friends in the New England area and have been reminded of one of the many reasons we decided to move to West Virginia, those warm early springs. So while there's still snow at our old home in New Hampshire springtime foraging is really in full swing here. There's ramps, may apples, dandelions, creasy greens, and loads of other wild edibles coming up in the woods and fields right now. While I love foraging violets are something that I've actually never tried but here are yard is carpeted with them so I decided to give it a go.
The Common Blue Violet (Viola sororia) is what I foraged to be exact. Both the leaves and flowers are edible and high in vitamins A and C. They are found in the woods, meadows, and even lawns but they prefer somewhat moist areas (I have seen a few in pretty dry spots though). These violets are easy to identify. They grow low to the ground and their flowers range from white to purple with five petals. Their leaves are also easily recognized with a distinct heart shape and scalloped edges. You' find them flowering from March-July depending on where you live. The Common Blue Violet's range includes most of eastern North America as far west as Wisconsin.
Both the leaves and flowers have a mild taste that's a perfect addition to salads. Plus you want the prettiest salad around? Violet flowers will get you there.
When I wanted to use some of our violets I wanted something a little more non-traditional though. I mean salads are great but greens make up a lot of the spring harvest so I searched for other violet ideas. I stumbled across two ideas. First violet flowers can be candied. We didn't try this as I'm just not a big candy eater, unless it's chocolate of course. Then I found out you can make violet syrup! It's too gorgeous not to want to make.
It does take a lot of flowers though. You'll need to fill the same size jar that you wish to be eventually filled with the syrup. I chose to use a quart or about 3 cups.
1 quart (3 cups) of violet flowers
1 quart (3 cups) water
3 cups of organic sugar
drops of organic lemon juice
*Basically you need the same amount of flowers, water, and sugar
After you've spent time picking all those beautiful little flowers (it's really meditative isn't it?) you'll need to boil your water. If you haven't already place your flours in a glass jar. Then pour the boiling water over the flours. AT this point your violets will need to steep for 24 hours. This is where a mason jar comes in handy. I just put the lid on and left it on the counter until I was ready to come back to it.
After 24 hours your water should look blue/purple and it's time to finish your syrup. First strain out your flowers. I used a fine wire mesh strainer. Be sure to press all the liquid possible out of your flowers! Then begin heating your liquid and add the sugar stirring it frequently as it comes to a boil. Boil it for a few minutes and then turn off the heat. You may notice that your syrup's color isn't as bright as you'd like but just wait! Slowly add lemon juice a drop at a time and watch the color change. You can keep adding until you've reached a dark purple if you're so inclined. Then it's ready for use or to be bottled back up and stored. With all that sugar it won't go bad much like maple syrup.
Now I'm sure you're wondering what do I do with this beautiful stuff?
I've tried it two ways thus far in tea and in seltzer water like a pretty purple and flowery soda. I'm also thinking it's gunna make for some amazing co*cktails this summer! Or purple pancakes? Imagine the possibilities.
I've included some links to field guides from various regions. My favorite and the one I use here in West Virginia is the National Audubon Society's Field Guide to Wildflowers: Eastern Region. It has awesome glossy photos.
Also if you don't want to pick all those flowers or an't find any in your area, no worries, we'll have some bottles of our syrup up on our Etsy shop soon.
**Disclaimer**
I am not a foraging expert. Please use caution before consuming any wild food.
This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase something I receive a
tiny percentage at no additional cost to you. It's just a way we keep this blog afloat!
FAQs
There are so many ways to use violet syrup! You can simply take it by the spoonful to soothe a sore throat or dry cough or to address lymphatic stagnation. You can add a small amount to sparkling water for a fun beverage. I've added the syrup to cakes and frostings.
How do you use violets medicinally? ›
Topically, violet is used as a poultice, compress, infused oil, and salve for dry or chafed skin, abrasions, insect bites, eczema, varicose veins and hemorrhoids. It is cooling, soothing, and anti-inflammatory.
How to make a wild violet tincture? ›
To prepare, fill a Mason jar to the top with violets. Once filled, pour vodka over the flowers until they are submerged. Put a lid on the jar and shake daily for several days, up to one week. Strain and store in amber glass dropper bottle in a dark place.
How long does homemade violet syrup last? ›
Homemade syrups can last between 6 months to 1 year if stored un-opened in a cool, dark location in sterilized bottles. Once open, store in the fridge. If there is any appearance/scent change, or if you see any mold/cloudiness, discard immediately and do not use.
Why did my violet syrup turn green? ›
So when you make a violet infusion – or a violet syrup, like I did – it will change color based on the pH of the liquid. That's why if you mix the violet syrup with a base / alkaline ('high pH') it will be green/blue, but if you mix it with an acid ('low pH') it goes bright pink!
What do Native Americans use violets for? ›
Range of applications included binding the leaves on head for headache; using a poultice of crushed root for boils; spraying tea up nose for catarrh; and soaking corn in root tea before planting to keep off insects. Enjoy raw flowers and tender leaves in wild salads. Used cooked leaves as a thickening agent in soups.
What are the medicinal benefits of wild violets? ›
Violet is moist and cooling and the leaves ease inflammation, and when used externally, soothe skin irritations and swelling. It has an affinity for the lymphatic system and can promote healthy lymphatic function. Modern research is investigating its antimicrobial properties (Zarrabi et al., 2013).
Are wild violets edible for humans? ›
Common violets, (Viola odorata), are a great, unassuming edible spring wild flower, but they have a lot more use than in a bouquet or as something to enjoy on a trail: you can eat them too. Violet greens can be a good addition to your cooking blend.
What is the benefit of violet tincture? ›
Some people use sweet violet for respiratory tract conditions, particularly dry or sore throat, stuffy nose, coughs, hoarseness, and bronchitis. Other uses include treating pain in the minor joints, fever, skin diseases, headache, trouble sleeping (insomnia), and tuberculosis.
What are the healing properties of violet? ›
Violet is a classic alterative herb; encouraging the elimination of wastes from the body by improving liver, kidney, digestive, and lymphatic function. In cahoots with other tonic seasonal herbs, violet sets the stage for a nourishing transition from the heavy blanket of winter to the lightness of spring.
To make this salve recipe, you just need violet leaf infused oil and beeswax. If you want a softer, looser salve, use a bit less beeswax. For a firmer salve, add more beeswax. Combine the two ingredients in a pyrex measuring cup or heatproof jar.
How to use violets medicinally? ›
wild violet Uses
- Wild violet tincture using fresh leaves and flowers.
- Violet-infused oil using dried leaves and flowers.
- Violet jelly.
- Violet pink lemonade.
- Springtime ice cubes using the violet flowers and lemon slices.
- Violet tea/infusion made with fresh leaves and flowers.
- Violet vinegar for salad dressing.
Pour half of the honey into a half pint jar and add the violets. Pour the remainder of the honey over the flowers. Set aside for 4–6 weeks near a window or sunlight-filled area to allow the violet flavor to infuse the honey. Do not strain.
Can you eat violet flowers raw? ›
Violet flowers can be used to garnish salads or flavor vinegar and syrup. Pick them fresh for salads or freeze them while you continue to collect enough of the desired quantity for an infused vinegar or syrup recipe.
What is the difference between lavender and violet syrup? ›
A: lavender tastes of lavenders, violet tastes of violets. the difference is not unlike that between apples and peaches, as far as fruit goes.
What is the medicinal use of sweet violet? ›
Overview. Sweet violet is an herb. The root and parts that grow above the ground are used to make medicine. Sweet violet is used for stress, fatigue, insomnia, symptoms of menopause, depression, common cold, influenza, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
