Six Uses for Wild Violets

Violets are one of the earliest wildflowers of springtime. They are known as a weed to many and are ripped out of gardens at first sight. If you're one of those people, read below to find out six amazing uses for them instead!

I love learning more about what flowers and herbs are in season and how our bodies are intuitively connected to them. For example, violets may help with the lymphatic and digestive systems. After a long winter, our bodies need a little support with firing up the digestive system and moving stagnant lymph. Is it a coincidence that violets bloom at the exact time our bodies need that support? Violets are also a source of fiber, good to our gut, and a source of vitamin A and C and beneficial flavonoids.

Safety + Reminders:

• Never consume any foraged goods unless you are 100% certain of what it is. Consult with an expert first.
• Only consume the flower heads and greens of violets. Do not consume the roots as these may be toxic.
• Be aware of possible contaminants and if possible, consume violets that are away from areas that have been sprayed with pesticides.
• Never trespass onto someone else's property and only forage in sustainable amounts to allow the crop to regenerate.
• This post is not medical advice and should not be taken as so.

Six Uses for Violets:

1. Garnish
   Violets can simply be used as a garnish to bring colour and fun to any dish. Sprinkle over your salads, soups, pastas, or whatever your heart desires!
   
2. Pestos, Dips + Sauces
   Blend a handful of violet heads and greens into your favourite pestos, dips and sauces to add a beautiful colour and a fun fresh flavour.
   I like this recipe here by Our Budding Life. 
   
3. Herbal Vinegar
   Violets can be used to infuse vinegars to create a mineral rich tonic or to replace the vinegar in your favourite salad dressing recipe.
   I love this recipe here by Chestnut Herbs.
   
4. Violet Tea
   Violets can be made into a pretty blue tea. Simply place 1-2 tablespoons of fresh, clean violet flowers in a mug and cover with boiling water. Allow to steep for 10 minutes. Strain out the flowers, add honey, and enjoy!
   
5. Calming Salve
   Violets can be infused into oils and made into a calming salve that is great for irritated skin.
   This post here explains how you can make a calming salve yourself.
   
6. Violet Syrup
   Violets can be used to infuse syrup and take it from simple, to beautiful blue and full of flavour. Read the recipe below to make it yourself.

Overview: How to Make Violet Syrup

1. Collect violets, clean, and remove the green bases and calyxes. Reserve the petals for the recipe. The green bases and calyxes can be discarded, composted, or (my favourite option) reserved to add some nutrient-dense greens to any dish.
2. Place violet petals in a heat-safe glass dish.
3. Boil the water and pour it over the petals. Cover and let sit for 24 hours at room temperature and watch a beautiful blue liquid start to form.
4. The next day, pour the liquid, petals and sugar into a saucepan. Cook until sugar is dissolved.
5. Strain the liquid through a fine sieve to remove the petals and let cool at room temperature. Transfer to a glass jar and store in the refrigerator for up to six months. Enjoy!

My favourite uses for violet syrup:

1. Drizzled over ice cream and yogurt.
2. A spoonful in my tea.
3. Added to pie and galette recipes.
4. Used as the simple syrup base for cocktails and mocktails.
5. Used to infuse a beautiful blue colour into icing.