RJ Homestead

There’s a certain magic in exploring your own backyard with a curious child by your side. Every blade of grass, every twist of a vine becomes a potential adventure. Today, my daughter Eva and I embarked on a mission to find the hidden treats growing wild in our own little patch of nature. And guess what we found? A sprinkle of purple magic – wild violets! One of our favorites!

These delicate purple flowers weren’t just a pretty sight, they were a treasure trove of potential! As we have learned, wild violets are more than just beautiful blooms – they’re edible and have been used for centuries for their medicinal properties. We decided to transform today’s haul into a delightful tea and an awesome jelly.

A Gift from Nature: The Many Uses of Wild Violets

Wild violets have a long and fascinating history as a medicinal herb. Traditional uses for violets can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome, where they were believed to be a cure-all for various ailments. While modern science hasn’t necessarily confirmed all their historical uses, some ongoing research suggests potential benefits. For example, wild violets possess a compound called salicylic acid, which is similar to aspirin and may help reduce inflammation and ease coughs. Additionally, their soothing properties have been used traditionally to calm skin irritation and promote wound healing. We tend to use it for colds and flu, especially when we have a cough.

But the benefits of wild violets extend far beyond the medicinal. The delicate flowers and young leaves are both edible and boast a delightful, subtle sweetness with a hint of floral perfume. This unique flavor makes them a wonderful addition to culinary creations. Imagine sprinkling a handful of violet flowers over a fresh salad for a pop of color and a surprising touch of sweetness. Or perhaps you’d like to try adding chopped violet leaves to your next sandwich for a delicate herbal accent. Wild violets can even be used in baking! Candied violets are a beautiful and delicious way to decorate cakes and cupcakes, and violet sugar adds a touch of floral elegance to cookies and other treats. So next time you see these little purple gems peeking out from your lawn or garden, consider not just their beauty, but the potential treasure trove of flavor and wellness they hold.

From Backyard to Teacup: Brewing a Violet Delight

The simplest way to enjoy the delicate flavor of wild violets is in a fragrant tea. Here’s how to create your own backyard brew:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh violets (flowers and leaves)
• 2 cups boiling water
• Honey or sugar (to taste)

Instructions:

1. Wash the violets gently and remove any dirt or debris.
2. Pour boiling water over the violets in a teapot or heatproof container.
3. Cover and let steep for 10-15 minutes.
4. Strain the tea into mugs and add honey or sugar to taste.

A Burst of Color: Making Wild Violet Jelly

For a more adventurous culinary escapade, we decided to transform our violets into a beautiful jelly. It’s a bit more involved than tea, but the vibrant purple color and subtle floral flavor are definitely worth the effort!

Ingredients

• 2 cups packed wild violet flowers
• 4 cups water
• 1 package (6 oz) powdered fruit pectin
• 4 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 lemon, juiced

Instructions:

1. Wash the violets gently and remove any dirt or debris.
2. Bring water to a boil over high heat.
3. Add violets and boiling water to a mason jar.
4. Let the mixture sit till cool, then put in the fridge. Let it sit overnight and steep.

1. The next morning strain the violet mixture into a large measuring cup, discarding the solids. You should have about 3 cups of liquid.
2. In a clean saucepan, combine the violet liquid, powdered pectin, and lemon juice. Watch, your liquid will change colors from bluish to pink with the addition of the lemon juice! Bring to a rolling boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.

3. Add the sugar all at once and return to a rolling boil. Boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Remove from heat and skim off any foam.
5. Pour the hot jelly into sterilized canning jars, leaving about 1/4 inch headspace.

6. Wipe the rims of the jars clean and seal with lids and rings.
7. Process the jars in a boiling water bath canner for 10 minutes (adjust processing time for your altitude).

Storing For the Long Haul

While fresh violets are a delightful treat, capturing their essence for later enjoyment is possible through dehydration. This process removes moisture, allowing you to store them for months and enjoy their vibrant color and subtle flavor throughout the year. Dehydrating violets is a simple process, but there are a few key things to keep in mind.

First, select fresh, unblemished violet flowers and leaves. Gently rinse them with cool water and pat them dry with a clean cloth. Separate the flowers and leaves, discarding any damaged parts. Here, you have a choice: dehydrate the flowers and leaves whole, or chop them into smaller pieces for faster drying.

Once prepped, arrange the violets in a single layer on dehydrator trays, ensuring there’s ample space between each piece for proper air circulation. Set your dehydrator to a low temperature, ideally between 90-100 degrees Fahrenheit (32-38 degrees Celsius). Dehydrating time will vary depending on the size and thickness of your violets, but it typically takes 4-8 hours. The violets are done when they are completely dry and crumble easily in your fingers.

Once dehydrated, store your violets in airtight containers in a cool, dark place. Glass jars with tight-fitting lids are ideal. Dried violets stored properly can last for up to a year, ready to add a touch of floral flair to your teas, baked goods, or even potpourri blends.

A Sweet Reward

Our backyard foraging adventure not only yielded a delicious tea and a beautiful jelly, but it also created lasting memories. Exploring the hidden treasures of nature with Eva is a gift, and wild violets proved to be a delightful discovery. So, the next time you’re strolling through your backyard, keep an eye out for these little purple gems. You might just be surprised by the culinary and medicinal wonders they hold!