Are Lilacs edible?
I’d plant lilacs just for those magical two weeks, and the way their scent fills the air. But believe it or not, they have one more gift to offer…lilacs are edible! Can I Eat Lilacs?
How do you eat lilac flowers?
Get creative in your kitchen this spring with these ways to eat lilacs. Use only unsprayed lilacs. Rinse the flowers under running water. Let dry. I often give them a spin in the salad spinner to remove excess water. Strip those flower blossoms from the stem. I find it easiest to do this with a pair of scissors over a bowl.
What can I do with lilac sugar?
The sugar can then be used in recipes to add lilac flavor to baked goods. This also works with a lilac simple syrup which is just a liquid form of the same thing that’s perfect for making cocktails. For my money though, I think lilac infused honey sounds the best.
Can You Dry Lilacs for later use?
Drying lilacs for later use is important since lilacs only bloom for a short period of time in the early spring. This gives you the opportunity to enjoy them long after they’ve passed. Hang small bunches of your edible lilacs upside down to dry. After a week or two, they will be completely dry.
What kind of lilacs are edible?
Remember though, only the flowers are the edible part of the common lilac bush. So, these flowers are edible but do they offer us any health benefits? As it turns out they are great for our eyes – and not just to look at. Apparently colour (in flowers) may actually have a nutritional advantage.
Does lilac taste good?
Did you know that lilacs are edible flowers? If you were to eat a bloom right off the stem, you'd probably find it actually has a sharp, bitter flavor that doesn't taste a whole lot like the lovely scent of lilacs.
Are all varieties of lilacs edible?
Lilacs have experienced popularity for generations and have been used for a variety of purposes. Some people believe that lilac is poisonous, but this is not so -- no part of the lilac is toxic. In fact, the flowers of the lilac bush are actually edible, though their flavor varies widely.
Is lilac edible raw?
The flowers are edible and have some medicinal qualities. I have to say eating even a single flower raw is a flavor exploding experience with slight astringency (drying to tissues), almost bitter, and very floral. I would say these are best for garnishes and edible flower displays on pastries rather than whole meals.
Are lilacs medicinal?
Actually, lilac is supposed to be a medicinal herb that can help lower fever and improve digestion. Its medicinal use has been documented since the middle ages.
What can I do with fresh lilacs?
5 Creative Ways to Use Lilacs in the Home & KitchenSugar them for desserts. Lilacs are edible, so feel free to top your desserts with them. ... Freeze them in ice cubes. If you are hosting a baby or bridal shower, try freezing lilac blooms in ice cubes. ... Make your own lilac honey. ... Make lilac astringent. ... Display them!
Is lilac toxic to humans?
Lilacs do not contain any chemicals that will poison animals or humans, nor do they irritate the skin. Even though lilac stems, leaves, and flowers pose no health threat to dogs, it is a good idea to keep your dog from chewing on the plant. Too much roughage may upset the digestive system in your pet.
Can you eat lilac petals?
Lilacs are such a lovely part of spring and summer in my opinion. They're gorgeous and their amazing scent fills the air in my little town every year, making every a walk a complete sensory experience. The flowers are also completely edible.
Can you drink lilac water?
It's like drinking a glass of spring. Tuck a lilac blossom into your next pitcher of water and let its essence infuse you. Perfect for special gatherings like weddings or showers, or simply keep a pitcher full in the fridge for everyday use. It will delight!
How do I cook lilacs?
How to Make Lilac JellyFreshly foraged lilacs.A full jar of lilac flower blossoms.Pour boiling water quickly over lilac blossoms to steep.Steep the lilac flowers for at least 8 hours.Pour the lilac tea into the saucepan.Fill the jars with the lilac jelly mixture.Check the lid seals once the lilac jelly is cooled.More items...•
When should lilacs be picked?
Harvest lilacs when they are fresh and the stems are turgid or filled with water. The best time to take cuttings is early morning or right after sunset. Avoid cutting flowers in the heat of the day when the shrub is wilted.
Can you dry lilacs for tea?
If you would like to use your lilacs, but won't be able to collect enough for wine-making, then you can save them for tea! Just hang bunches upside down to dry. Once completely dehydrated, pull of the petals and store in an air-tight jar or tin, and steep as you would any loose herbal tea.
Do lilacs taste sweet?
The sweet floral flavor of lilacs translates beautifully into an ice cream base.
What does lilac syrup taste like?
The flavor of the syrup is a dark floral—almost lavender-like but distinctly lilac. It's lovely to mix into lemonade and other light beverages, offering a fragrant taste of spring from your backyard. While the syrup looks brown in the bottle, it creates drinks that have a soft purple color.
Can you drink lilac water?
It's like drinking a glass of spring. Tuck a lilac blossom into your next pitcher of water and let its essence infuse you. Perfect for special gatherings like weddings or showers, or simply keep a pitcher full in the fridge for everyday use. It will delight!
Can you smoke lilac?
Just like Grapevine, Lilac is also a popular wood for barbeques. Lilac produces a mild and sweet smoke which is generally preferred for cooking poultry and lamb.
How to drink lilacs?
Drinking Lilacs. Make a cordial by covering those blossoms with vodka and let it sit in a dark cupboard for 2 to 4 weeks. Strain, that now lavender-colored alcohol, and use in all your favorite cocktail recipes. Make big batches and put into pretty bottles for gift giving. Homebrew those lilacs into some homemade wine.
What to do with lilacs for breakfast?
Have lilacs for breakfast or afternoon tea by folding the blossoms into scones. Add the blossoms to creamy and comforting rice pudding. They’re delicious tossed into cake and make for a beautifully simple decoration too. Make single serving lilac cream tarts for a buffet.
How to make lilac wine?
Homebrew those lilacs into some homemade wine. For the non-drinkers and kids, make a simple syrup by simmering 1 cup of water with 1 cup of sugar for 10 minutes. Add 1 cup of lilac blossoms to the warm mixture, cover and let steep 20 minutes. Strain and refrigerate.
What to do with lilacs in vinegar?
Infuse lilacs into vinegar for a floral vinegar that would make a delightful salad dressing on those strawberry and spinach salads.
How to clean lilacs from a salad?
Use only unsprayed lilacs. Rinse the flowers under running water. Let dry. I often give them a spin in the salad spinner to remove excess water.
Is lilac jelly good?
Lilac jelly is beautiful and tasty. Make a couple of batches now and store for thank you and holiday gifts later.
What are some edible flowers?
But there’s another edible flower that is regularly passed over, though just as beautiful and fragrant. We’re talking about lilacs here, people. Lilacs are in season, and they make a unique and lovely addition to many recipes. Take a peek at 9 lilac recipes that will win you over.
Do lilac cookies have lilacs in them?
8. Lilac Cookies: Okay, so maybe these don’t exactly have lilacs in them, but they sure do look like those beautiful blooms. (via Sweetambs)
What is lilac used for?
Apparently used as a tea or infusion historically it has been used as a anti-periodic. Anti-periodic basically means that it stops the recurrence of disease such as malaria. There has been some studies that indicate a febrifuge action that may help bring down fever.
Where do lilacs come from?
Lilac or Syringa spp. (the common species is vulgaris) is in the olive family and is native to the Balkan Peninsula in Southeastern Europe. People emigrating from Europe brought the shrub to plant in their gardens in order to savor a piece of home. Here out west pioneers brought lilacs with them during the 1800’s and now you may find lilacs ...
How to make lilac syrup?
1 cup water. 1 cup sugar. 1 cup lilac flowers, stems and green parts removed. 5-8 blueberries, for color. “…combine the water and sugar over medium heat on the stove. Heat until dissolved. Add the lilac flowers and simmer for 10 minutes. If you want a brightly hued syrup-like mine, add about five blueberries.
Why do I eat flowers raw?
An aromatic action causes irritation to the place that it is touching (think GI tract) and irritation brings blood flow and blood flow equals healing! Eating the flowers raw may help with gastric issues such as flatulence or constipation.
When do lilacs bloom in Oregon?
Lilac: An Edible and Medicinal Treat. Lilac shrubs have always been one of my favorite signs of spring. Growing up in Eastern Oregon we wouldn’t see the blooms until at least May, but here in the Willamette Valley we are blessed seeing them bloom as early as the beginning of April. Vases filled with freshly cut lilac reminds me ...
Is lilac essential oil edible?
Lilac fragrance is wonderfully intoxicating however it is very difficult to capture the scent and only until recently is there even a true essential oil made from the flowers. The flowers are edible and have some medicinal qualities.
Can you put lilac syrup on pancakes?
Lilac Syrup turned out to be an excellent and delicious sweet treat. Pour over pancakes, add as a liquor base, or a nonalcoholic lemonade base. I froze the extra syrup in mason jars to keep year-round.
What are some edible lilacs?
Here are a few ways I like to use edible lilacs: Lilac wine. Lilac syrup. Lilac Tea. Lilac jelly. Lilac Sugar. Candied Lilac Blossoms. Lilac and Lemon Shortbread Cookies. There are also many more edible flowers that are popping up this time of year, or soon will be.
How to dry lilacs?
Method: Hang small bunches of your edible lilacs upside down to dry. After a week or two, they will be completely dry. At this point simply pull off the petals and store in an air-tight jar or tin. To make tea, add a tablespoon or two to boiling water and steep as you would any loose herbal tea.
How long to cook lilac florets in a pan?
Directions: Combine the water and sugar in a saucepan and boil until sugar is disolved. Gently add your prepared lilac florets, stir gently, and cover. Reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes. After simmering for 5 minutes, remove your pan from the heat and allow to cool with the cover on for 6 – 8 hours.
How to collect lilac blossoms?
The first step is to collect your lilac blossoms when they’ re at their full bloom stage. I like to collect them after the morning sun has dried the dew off of them. As I collect them, I give them a gentle shake to rid them of any bugs. You don’t want to wash them, as you’ll not want to add any moisture to the sugar. You’ll want the petals completely dry.
How many cups of lilacs are in a pack?
2 cups packed lilac blossoms (all green and stems removed)
When do lilacs produce flowers?
Right now, they have buds and tiny leaves, but soon, usually around the beginning of May, they will produce beautiful clusters of lavender colored flowers. Not only are they beautiful to look at, but they smell amazing AND give us some wonderful edible flowers to enjoy. In fact, many people are surprised to learn that lilacs are edible ...
Can you make lilac sugar at home?
Making lilac-infused sugar is one of the simplest recipes to make yourself at home and is the perfect way to capture the fragrance and preserve the floral essence of edible lilacs. It’s like spring in a jar, for real!
Are lilacs good for goats?
Lilacs are certainly good for goats in some ways, but I should start out by saying they aren’t really anything amazing.
Can goats eat lilac leaves?
The leaves are perfectly safe too, though, again, fairly void nutritionally speaking.
