Elderflowers and Purslane

Our attention has turned to the blooming plants and shrubs on the land, in particular the elderflower of the native elderberry bush. Both the flower and the berry have many uses. The latter is more commonly prepared as a syrup, but many of us have enjoyed the dried berry made into a beautiful dry red wine. Elderflowers are also good in beverages. Elderflower syrup is used in sparkling water and cocktails. Right now we are preparing elderflower champagne. thespruceeats.com. In addition, the flowers are used in skin care products blissoma.com.

A new product this week is verdolaga or golden purslane, a nutritional powerhouse. It is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A and C and has a tangy flavor.There is a native variety that grows in several of our beds, but we cultivate the more delicate golden purslane. This green is great in salads, in smoothies, as part of a stir fry and in soups or curries.
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#elderflower
#elderberry