Violets Are Blue
April 20, 2008 by Linette Gerlach
Filed under Flowers, Garden Recipes, Naturalizing
…and yellow, or white. I really enjoy violets, I love their tiny delicate blooms. I don’t have them in my flower garden because they can be a little aggressive for such a tiny plant. I do use them as a ground cover around my lilac bush because they do so well in the shade. We also have them back in the woods growing wild (they’re great for naturalizing). They’re just starting to bloom their tiny delicate blooms right now.
Violet blossoms are great to add color to salad, or as a garnish for any spring dish. Put them in a tiny vase to add a splash of spring to your windowsill. They’re also great for drying, pressing, or candying.
Here’s a recipe for candied violets:
You’ll need:
one egg white
a few drops of water
super fine sugar
violet blooms
a paint brush
an air tight container or jar
How to make them:
Whisk the egg together with the water. Paint the violets very lightly with the egg white mixture, then sprinkle a little sugar on both sides. Let any excess sugar fall off the violets, and set aside to dry overnight. Let them dry for a day or two, then seal them in an air tight container in a dark place until you’re ready to use them. The candied violets should last for up to a year.
You can use your candied violets as a decoration for cupcakes, a cake, or to garnish any sweet dessert.
OK, now I need to go make some. I think they’d be great for some Mother’s Day cupcakes.
Image: (c) Linette Gerlach
Oh….I love the idea of doing candied flowers, but I’ve never gotten up the nerve to try it. Maybe this will be the year!
Ah ha. I posted about this at THF – but I never knew you could save them for a year – actually, I’ve never seen candied flowers last this long, people love them so. My fave are lilacs, because the flavor is amazing, but violets are good too. Nothing looks better than cake with candied flowers.
Jennifer you have me chuckling already this AM with your Aha. It’s great minds you know:)
I think the key to making them last is to keep them out of the light and keep them dry. Moisture and light will reduce their storage time quickly.