Who would be named Lord of the Woods and why? In today’s article we would like to draw your attention to the fact that this healthy herb is already blooming and can be collected. Woodruff – a medicinal herb or a culinary delicacy? Why not both? You will soon learn more about the healthy properties of the woodruff, where you can collect it and which delicious dishes and drinks can be prepared with it. Of course we have selected favorite woodruff recipes. Of course, we also thought of the classic, the May punch, and we provide the following tips on how it can best succeed. Are you just as enchanted as we are by the scent of woodruff and would you like to find out why? Then sit down comfortably and immerse yourself in the sweet scent of woodruff blossoms.
We all love the woodruff recipes, especially at the beginning of summer
Why are the woodruff recipes so popular?
The delicate, white flowers of the woodruff can be picked and dried from April to June. The scent of the dried herb is even more intense and is ideal for refining drinks and food. In folk medicine, the plant is considered a remedy for vein diseases and circulatory disorders. You can also create herbal pillows against insomnia by combining woodruff with lavender and lemon balm. The scent of woodruff calms and gives you a feeling of security and carelessness. In addition, the wonderful scent is associated with the beginning of summer and the many festivals that are traditionally celebrated in May.
The scent of the woodruff is unmistakable, one of the characteristics by which the plant is identified
Unfortunately, for understandable reasons, we had to miss the dance into May this year, but hopefully we can catch up on a lot in summer. Therefore, it is now important to collect enough of the herb to have a natural and aromatic refreshment on hand during the hot summer days.
Now you know how to make an extract from woodruff and you can use it to make delicious desserts
How do you prepare the traditional May punch yourself?
The most famous drink that many families prepare themselves for various occasions is undoubtedly the May punch. Seasonally you can get them in combination with beer in many places. Now we want to learn how to prepare them yourself. It is up to you to decide whether you want to enjoy the alcoholic or non-alcoholic.
Woodruff Recipes: The May punch is undoubtedly the symbol of the month of May
One could almost say that the woodruff punch is the symbol of the month of May.
ingredients: 1.5 l chilled white wine or light grape juice, 250ml chilled sparkling wine (with or without alcohol) or mineral water, 1 handful of woodruff (dried or withered 2-3 days after picking), lemon, punch bowl.
Do not dare to make a woodruff infusion yourself, then you can get a ready-made syrup in the health food store
preparation: First, fill the vessel halfway with wine or grape juice. Place a ladle or large cooking spoon across the bowl and hang the bunch of woodruff upside down in the wine or grape juice. Let it soak for 10-30 minutes and remove the bush. Danger! The stems contain bitter substances and should not be submerged. Now you can fill up the container with sparkling wine, wine, water or juice and add a few squeezes of lemon juice before serving.
The stalks contain bitter substances, so they must not be immersed in the juice
You can use the same principle to prepare an extract from the plant in water or milk and use the liquid to prepare puddings or baked goods.
Woodruff extract can be made in any liquid and processed into other desserts
Ice cream with a touch of Maikraut – one of the best woodruff recipes
Identify woodruff and minimize the risk of confusion
Unfortunately, the healthy and useful medicinal plants often have a double that is not necessarily harmless. How can you identify the woodruff correctly and avoid confusion? Here are some clues: The fragrant plant can now be spotted in the shade of beech trees in May, but it can also thrive in a shady spot in the garden.
Non-alcoholic, the May punch tastes just as refreshing and good as the original
The drink is prepared quickly and can also be a good and seasonal solution for a surprise visitor
Danger! Never use woodruff in combination with circulatory medications or during pregnancy!
The flower is white and funnel-shaped. The petals are pointed. 6 to 8 leaves emerge at the same height and form a whorl. If you are unsure whether you have actually found woodruff, wait for the plant to bloom, because the scent of the flowers is really unmistakable. Many of us know the woodruff ice cream and of course the jelly, which smell of woodruff. Because of the similarity, some associate the scent with vanilla, hay or honey.
Enjoy the gifts of nature to the full in every season
Prepare easily digestible desserts with woodruff aroma
One can still find households where small cloth bags containing dried sprigs of woodruff are placed between clothing items to repel moths. Even if you can recognize the plant well, be careful with your dosage! Avoid using woodruff if you are taking circulatory medication or during pregnancy!
Enjoy the long day after work with a refreshing drink of your own mix
You can get a wheat beer punch in many bars at this time of the year
The leaves and flowers of the woodruff unfold their specific scent if they are left to wither for at least a day
