Ah, violets! These little warriors of spring are often overshadowed by their more showy flowers. However, their understated beauty and resilience hold a special place in gardens and literature alike.
Associating them with history, we find that these flowers are also associated with myths and legends. The story of Persephone told in Homer’s epic vividly illustrates the ancient world’s fascination with violets. The myth contains many bouquets of flowers, among them roses, saffron, wild violets, irises, daffodils and hyacinths. The symbolism of these flowers since ancient times is well illustrated.
Despite their small size, commonly only 10 centimetres, violets were loved by the ancients for their symbol of modesty, due to their tendency to hide amongst the foliage. However, this characteristic does not detract from the violet’s tenacity and versatility.
For violets thrive in a variety of conditions, whether sun or shade, dry or moist soil, proving their remarkable adaptability. It is nothing short of miraculous that they can even endure pruning, relocation, and temporary neglect, yet always thrive in the most unexpected corners of the garden. This resilience makes them ideal for gardeners.
The story of Io and Zeus adds another layer of mystery to the legacy of violets. To escape Hera’s wrath, Io was transformed into a cow, and after tasting bitter herbs, her tears were turned into sweet violets by Zeus. This myth not only highlights the sacred origins of the violet, but also portrays it as a symbol of metamorphosis and sweetness in the face of adversity.
In the culinary realm, violets have transcended their mythological roots and made their way into the kitchen and cocktails. From the delicate flowers that adorn cakes to the delicate ‘violet cream’, these flowers bring new and exciting colours and flavours to a wide range of dishes. It is important to note, however, that the famous scent of violets can vary, resulting in culinary creations that are more decorative than aromatic.
The historical and cultural significance of violets is well established, so let’s embark on an equally exciting journey to explore the culinary and ecological roles of these fascinating flowers. Violets have proven to be a feast not only for the eyes but also for the palate!
Violets have a wide range of culinary uses. From the leaves to the flowers, every part of the violet adds unique flavour and beauty to a dish. Firstly, the leaves are rich in vitamin C and can be eaten straight away as a salad or cooked like spinach.
In addition, violets bring an artistic touch. Who can resist a violet cocktail? Infusing violet flower crystals in vodka is a testament to the creativity that violets inspire in the culinary world.
Recipe details: Violet Fizz Cocktail
Level: Unknown Servings: 1
Prep time: 5 mins Cook time: 5 mins
Dish Tags: Cocktail, American, Egg, Fruit, Appetizer, Snack, Dessert, Side
Ingredients:
2 ounces gin
2 1/2 ounces Bow Hill Organic Heirloom Blueberry Juice
1 ounce heavy cream
white of one egg
2 tablespoons powdered sugar 1/2 teaspoon orange flower water juice of 1/2 lime Splash of soda water 1 dash Bow Hill Organic Heirloom Blueberry Powder
Get the recipe: Violet Fizz Cocktail
However, the contribution of violets goes far beyond tantalising the taste buds. Their ecological role is equally noteworthy, making violets the unsung heroes of biodiversity. For example, the larvae of many cockatiel butterflies depend entirely on violets for their food source. This intricate relationship highlights the importance of conserving native violet populations as a means of supporting butterfly conservation efforts. In addition, violets spread dense mats on the ground beneath trees, which not only creates an aesthetically pleasing understory, but also acts as a natural weed suppressor. This combination of beauty and functionality makes violets a valuable addition to any garden or natural landscape.
From the historical origins of violets to their modern culinary and ecological significance, as we contemplate the multifaceted role of violets, it is clear that the grandeur of these tiny flowers extends far beyond their size. They remind us of the interconnectedness of all things and the joy of finding the extraordinary in the ordinary. So the next time you encounter a violet, whether in your garden, on a plate, or in the wild, take a moment to appreciate the story, flavour, and ecological benefits it holds.
Related posts:
Violets — Katy in the garden
Wild violets: mom’s favorite attracts birds, bees
Life Underfoot in the Violet Patch
