I’ve been busy making videos on foraging & eating wild spring greens over at Gather Victoria Patreon but in April with the entrance of Venus, Goddess of Beauty and Love, I’ll be paying homage to her flower. Yes, that spring seductress of the wild woodland – violet. Used in perfumes, enchantments and love-spells throughout the ages this aphrodisiac has been equally popular in cooking. So here’s a little preview of what I’ve got cooking up at Gather Victoria Patreon.
P.S. Gather patrons just search for “violet” – you’ll find recipes for cordials and sweets – and more coming in April!
I love the flavor of Violet. Alas, I know little to nothing about growing it. When I landed on this page and saw that delicate cup of tea, my heart leapt. Can you offer some advice on which variety of violet to grow for culinary purposes (like that tea!), and some pointers on how to do so?
It is the wild violet that has the most scent. It is considered a weed and grows profusely in damp or shady lawns or at the sun-dappled edges of forests. Now that I come to think of it I can’t remember seeing violet sold at the garden shops. The ones that grow in my garden I have “scavenged” over the years and taken off the hands of less enthusiastic neighbours! And they grow happily without any help from me! Sorry not to be of more help.
Thank you for your life-affirming, beautiful posts. So helpful in this chaotic time. Blessings and happy foraging!
Thank-you & blessings! xo
Can I substitute pansies that have self-seeded in the pots on my deck?
You can…but they won’t have violets infamous flavour. Also, be sure not to use any that have just come or been purchased from a supermarket or big box store – usually loaded with insecticides and other nasty chemicals. 🙁
I am in love