Introduction
Magic fills the air when lilac flowers come out to play. Their beautiful aroma simply makes you feel good, lifting spirits and brightening moods. In European folklore, lilacs were often associated with love and romance. It was believed that if a young woman wore lilac flowers, she would attract a suitor or find true love. In some cultures, it was also believed that planting lilacs near the home would help keep evil spirits away.
On top of all that, did I mention they also taste amazing? The window to see them, enjoy their beauty, smell, and taste is a quick one. So, I quickly embrace the moment they bloom and get into “MAKING MODE”.
First, let’s go over some details. Lilac flowers are renowned for their distinctive beauty and fragrance. Typically growing in clusters known as panicles, these flowers are made up of individual blossoms arranged in a pyramid shape. Tubular in form with four petals, they come in a range of colors including shades of purple, lavender, pink, white, and even yellow.
These flowers are typically medium-sized, with an average diameter of about 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 3.8 cm). Often emitting a pleasant, sweet fragrance, highly sought after, it’s one of the defining features of lilacs. Described as floral with hints of sweetness and freshness, their fragrance is truly captivating.
Lilac flowers bloom in spring, albeit for a relatively short period, contingent on species and climate. The blooming period can span from a few weeks to a couple of months, followed by inconspicuous fruit capsules containing seeds.
Harvesting
Considered one of the main attractions of these flowering shrubs, lilac flowers are widely utilized in floral arrangements and landscaping due to their beauty, fragrance, and charm. Moreover, they’re known to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, contributing to overall ecosystem health and biodiversity.
Let’s chat about harvest, as this is important as not all the lilac bush is edible. Choose fresh lilac flowers that are in full bloom and have a strong fragrance. Avoid using flowers that are wilted, discolored, or have signs of damage or decay. Harvest the flowers early in the morning when the essential oils are most concentrated.
Gently shake the flowers to remove any insects or debris. You can also rinse the flowers gently with cool water to remove any dirt or dust. Pat them dry with a clean towel or air-dry them before using. I don’t always rinse mine as I live in the country. But it’s very important you look for little critters as they like the smell too.
Removing the flowers from the stem: Hold the stem of the lilac flower and gently pluck the individual flowers from the stem. Discard the little green stem, as it is not typically consumed.
Culinary Uses of Lilac Flowers
Lilac flowers have a mild, sweet flavor with floral notes and can add a touch of beauty and flavor to a variety of dishes. Fresh lilac flowers can be used to garnish cakes, desserts, salads, and drinks, or infused into syrups, vinegars, or teas for their aromatic properties. Dried lilac flowers can also be used in culinary preparations such as baked goods, jellies, or infused into spirits like vodka.
Here are a couple ideas:
Lilac Syrup:
Lilac flowers can be used to make lilac syrup, which can be used as a sweetener or flavouring agent in various culinary creations. To make lilac syrup, lilac flowers are steeped in a simple syrup of water and sugar, and then strained to create a fragrant and flavourful syrup that can be used in cocktails, lemonades, desserts, and more.
Lilac Flower Infused Honey:
Lilac flowers can be used to infuse honey with their delicate flavour and aroma. To make lilac flower-infused honey, fresh lilac flowers are gently heated with honey, allowing the flavors to meld together over time. The resulting infused honey can be used as a sweetener, spread on toast, drizzled over desserts, or incorporated into teas and other culinary creations.
Lilac Tea:
Lilac tea is a delicious and fragrant way to enjoy the health benefits of lilacs. To make lilac tea, steep fresh or dried lilac flowers in hot water for several minutes, then strain and enjoy. Lilac tea has a light, floral flavor and is said to have a calming effect on the body.
Lilac Ice Cream:
Lilac ice cream is a unique and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of lilacs. To make lilac ice cream, steep fresh or dried lilac flowers in cream and milk, then strain and mix with sugar and egg yolks. Freeze in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and enjoy the delicate floral flavors in every scoop.
Lilacs are not only beautiful to look at, but also have a variety of edible uses.
From lilac flowers to syrup, honey, tea, and even ice cream, there are many ways to incorporate lilacs into your culinary creations. So why not add a touch of beauty and flavor to your next dish with lilacs?
Lilac flowers for skincare
Lilac flowers are sometimes used in homemade skincare recipes for their potential skin-soothing and antioxidant properties. Here are a few simple skincare recipe ideas that could potentially incorporate lilac flowers:
- Lilac Flower Face Mist: Lilac flowers can be used to make a refreshing and soothing face mist. Simply steep fresh or dried lilac flowers in witch hazel, rose water, or aloe vera juice overnight, strain out the flowers, and transfer the liquid to a spray bottle. You can use this lilac-infused mist as a facial toner or a refreshing mist throughout the day.
- Lilac Flower Bath Soak: Lilac flowers can be added to a warm bath for a relaxing and fragrant bath soak. Simply tie a handful of fresh or dried lilac flowers in a muslin cloth or place them in a small mesh bag, and let them steep in your bathwater for a soothing and aromatic experience.
- Lilac Flower Face Mask: Lilac flowers can be used in a homemade face mask to potentially soothe and nourish the skin. You can blend fresh or dried lilac flowers with other skin-friendly ingredients such as yogurt, honey, or clay to create a paste-like consistency. Apply the mask to your face, leave it on for about 10-15 minutes, then rinse off with warm water.
- Lilac Flower-infused Oil: Lilac flowers can be used to infuse carrier oils such as jojoba oil or sweet almond oil for a DIY lilac-infused oil. Simply place dried lilac flowers in a clean, dry glass jar and cover them with your carrier oil of choice. Let the jar sit in a cool, dark place for several weeks, shaking it occasionally to help extract the lilac’s properties into the oil. Afterward, strain out the flowers and transfer the infused oil to a clean, dark glass bottle for storage. You can use this lilac-infused oil as a moisturizer, massage oil, or as an ingredient in DIY skincare recipes.
Please note that these skincare recipes are not extensively tested or proven, and individual reactions may vary. It’s important to perform a patch test on a small area of skin before applying.
Lilac Honey
Infusing honey with lilac can add a delightful floral twist to your recipes. Here’s a simple recipe to make lilac-infused honey:
- 1 cup fresh lilac blossoms (make sure they are pesticide-free)
- 1 cup honey (choose a high-quality, mild-flavoured honey)
Instructions
- Harvest and prepare Lilac Blossoms: Pick fresh lilac blossoms from your garden or a pesticide-free area. Ensure the blossoms are clean and free from any debris or insects. Gently shake the lilac blossoms to remove any excess dirt or small bugs. Make sure to remove any stems and green parts, as they can make the honey bitter.
- You can also rinse them briefly under cool water and pat them dry with paper towels. Make sure they are completely dry before proceeding.
- Infusion: Place the clean lilac blossoms into a clean, dry glass jar. Pour the honey over the lilac blossoms, ensuring they are fully submerged. Use a clean spoon or spatula to stir the blossoms into the honey, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Seal and Store: Seal the jar tightly with a lid. Place the jar in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Allow the lilac to infuse into the honey for at least 1 month to impart its flavor fully.
- Strain: After the infusion period, strain the infused honey to remove the lilac blossoms. You can use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth placed over a clean bowl or another jar to strain out the blossoms. Press down gently on the blossoms to extract any remaining honey.
- Bottle and Store: Transfer the strained lilac-infused honey into a clean, airtight jar or bottle for storage. Make sure the container is clean and dry before transferring the honey. Store it in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard, away from direct sunlight.
Enjoy: Your homemade lilac-infused honey is now ready to be enjoyed! Use it as a sweetener in teas, drizzle it over yogurt or oatmeal, spread it on toast, or incorporate it into your favorite recipes for a floral twist.
Lilac Sugar
I am not a huge fan of white sugar but for a special occasion white sugar hold the taste and flavor Lilac sugar is a sweet and fragrant ingredient that can add a touch of floral flavor to a variety of desserts and baked goods. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make lilac sugar at home:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh lilac flowers
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- Harvest the lilac flowers when they are in full bloom and have a strong aroma. Make sure to remove any stems and green parts, as they can make the sugar bitter.
- Rinse the flowers gently with cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry with a clean towel or paper towel make sure they are dry. I personal don’t wash mine
- Add the lilac flowers to a jar with a tight-fitting lid.
- Pour the sugar over the flowers, making sure that they are completely covered.
- Seal the jar tightly and give it a good shake to distribute the flowers evenly.
- Place the jar in a cool, dark place and let it sit for at least 1 week. You can also leave it for up to 2 weeks for a stronger flavor.
- Shake the jar every few days to redistribute the flowers and sugar.
8. After 1-2 weeks, strain the sugar through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the flowers. Discard the flowers or use them to make lilac tea or other culinary creations.
9. Store the lilac sugar in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months.
Lilac sugar is a simple yet versatile ingredient that can elevate your culinary creations with its delicate floral flavor. Give it a try and let your taste buds bloom!
Lilac Strawberry Liqueur
This is one of my favourite playful recipes 😍
- 1 Cup of Strawberries, cut in half, stem removed
- ½ cup of lilac flowers, de-stemmed
- ⅔ cup White Sugar (or you could make lilac sugar and use that)
- ⅔ cup of water (tap or filtered)
- 1 cup of Vodka
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the strawberries. Wash them thoroughly under cold running water.
- Cut each strawberry in half vertically, from the top to the bottom. Remove the green stems from each strawberry half.
- Place the prepared strawberries in a jar with a tight-fitting lid.
- In a separate container, combine the sugar and water. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved, creating a simple syrup.
- Pour the simple syrup into the jar, covering the strawberries.
- Add the vodka and lilac.
- to the jar, ensuring that the strawberries are fully submerged.
- Securely close the jar and shake it gently to ensure the sugar is well dissolved. I l open once a day to let the let the formula breath.
- Cover the jar with a towel or place it in a dark location to steep for 6 days. This allows the flavours to develop.
Before the sun sets on the lilac blossoms, let’s embrace the enchantment of these incredible flowers, where beauty, fragrance, and flavor intertwine to create moments of pure magic. From their captivating blooms to their culinary and skincare wonders, lilacs offer a symphony of delights for the senses. As we revel in their fleeting presence, let us remember to cherish each petal, each scent, and each taste, for in the realm of nature’s bounty, the lilac reigns as a true marvel. So, let your imagination bloom alongside these delicate blossoms, and may the magic of lilacs continue to inspire and delight, casting its spell upon us all.