Foraging for Wild Violets

Violets have soft purple and white petals and sweet fragrances, making them popular for bouquets, gardens, and culinary creations. However, many wonder if violets are edible, and this article explores their culinary uses and how to enjoy them.

Culinary Uses of Violets 

Throughout history, violets have been a culinary ingredient dating back to ancient Greece and Rome. All parts of the violet plant - petals, leaves, and stems - are edible. Flowers have a sweet, floral taste similar to rose petals and can decorate cakes or other desserts or be candied and used to top cupcakes and treats. The purple petals add beautiful and colorful visuals to any salad, paired well with other ingredients like goat cheese, walnuts, and beets.

The leaves are great in salads, dressings, soups, stews, and recipes like quiches and omelets. These taste similar to spinach.

This edible flower is great in jams and jellies infused in syrups for cocktails. Here are some tips for foraging them and ways to use them.

Collecting The Ingredients: Tips for Picking Violet Petals and Stems 

When foraging for violet petals and stems, only pick fresh and vibrant flowers with no blemishes. Pick them in the morning when the dew has evaporated, and the flowers are at their fullest.

Violet Syrup

Violet syrup is a sweet and floral syrup that is great in baked goods, cocktails, or sweetened tea.

Violet Crème

This dessert is perfect for letting these flowers shine. Violet crème is a rich and indulgent dessert perfect for special occasions.

Violet Tea

Violet tea is a fragrant beverage perfect for relaxing after a long day. Made by steeping violet petals in hot water and adding honey or sugar to taste.

Violet Vinegar

Violet vinegar is a flavorful dressing that adds color and taste to salads and other dishes. To make, infuse violet petals in vinegar for several weeks and then strain out the solids.

Violet Ice Cream

This quick violet ice cream is a simple and delicious dessert that requires only a few ingredients. Blend violet petals with cream, sugar, and vanilla extract, freeze the mixture until firm, and enjoy the violets' refreshing and delightful taste.

Violet Lemonade 

On hot summer days, refresh yourself with a colorful drink - violet lemonade. Simply combine freshly squeezed lemon juice, sugar, and violet syrup in a pitcher. Stir well after adding water and ice. To make it visually appealing, garnish each glass with a few violet petals before enjoying this refreshing drink.

Using Violet Flowers in Baking 

Use violet flowers to create a unique and delightful flavor to your baked goods. Incorporate them into cakes, cookies, and even bread. You can also grind dried violet petals into a powder and use them as a natural food coloring. Then, add fresh violet petals to your cake batter for a simple violet-infused cake and bake it as usual. The outcome will be a beautiful purple cake with a subtle floral flavor.