Foraging Violets, An Edible and Common Spring Wildflower
Let’s learn all about foraging violets! Although considered an invasive species, violets are certainly one of nature’s most beautiful wild perennials. They’re nature’s harbinger to remind us that spring is well on its way. But something that you may not know, is that you can actually eat them! What may be even more surprising is that they’re good for you too.
But before you consider foraging for wild violets, there is one other plant in particular that you need to be on the lookout for.
The Different Names of the Common Violet
The common blue violet, or Viola sororia, is a part of the Violaceae family. It’s also known by several different names, including Confederate violet, purple violet, wood violet, wooly blue-violet, meadow violet, Florida violet, and Missouri violet.
Parts of the Violet Plant Used
Both the leaves and the flowers of a wild violet are edible. The flowers are sweet while the leaves contain high levels of vitamins A and C.
When and Where Common Violets Grow
Wild violets are mostly found in the central parts of Canada and the United States. While they have been known to survive in full-sun conditions, they certainly prefer growing in partly shady and moisture-retentive areas like woods, streambanks, and thickets. Depending on where you live, the blooms typically last for only a brief time, from early spring to the mid months of summer, but the stem and leaves remain long after.
How to Identify Violets
Wild violets can grow anywhere from 15 to 25 cm tall and can be between 13mm or 50 mm in width. They have five-petaled flowers with deep blue or purple hues, but they sometimes can also be found in white with yellow colors. Their leaves have a sort of oblong kidney or heart shape to them with serrated edges, with stems that hook at the end.
Keep in mind that there is one violet look-alike that you need to be leary of because it is considered toxic. Although the “lesser celandine” has yellow flowers instead of purple, the clove-like leaves are very similar to the wild violet.
Culinary Uses of Violets
There are several different culinary ways that you can enjoy violets. The leaves of wild violets can be used in salads and can also be cooked as greens or added to a soup. Some people even enjoy eating them raw. The flowers as I mentioned earlier, are slightly sweet and can be candied, made into jelly, or tossed in a salad.
Some people enjoy infusing it with their honey or syrup. It’s also common to make an herbal tea with dried violet leaves or sprinkle a smidge over your baked goods before you put them in the oven.
Benefits of Common Violets
While everyone knows that oranges are one of the best sources of vitamin C, what you may not have known is that wild violets contain far more of the vitamin when compared by weight. Wild violets contain several other vitamins and minerals, all of which provide a number of different benefits that you should be aware of.
- Native Americans once used them to help treat headaches
- Violets are known to improve the immune system and reduce inflammation (this includes fighting off colds, sore throats, sinus infections, and other respiratory ailments when drank as a tea or eaten)
- They can be used to help with minor scrapes and bruises
- Can even be used as a mild laxative
- Helps your body get rid of harmful toxins quicker
- There is evidence out there that violets can help treat insomnia
How to Harvest
Be sure to harvest your violets during the spring and early summer before they start to wilt. You will do this by pinching off the leaves and flowers carefully and leaving enough of the stems behind. By doing so, the violets will continue to flourish and you’ll be able to harvest from them again and again.
How to Store
Before storing, make sure that you allow your violet harvest to dry out, there are many ways to dehydrate violets without a dehydrator. Once dry, place them in an airtight container or mason jar, and store them in a dark pantry cupboard. Storing dried violets properly can last you for about a year.
Violet blossoms can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply place the washed and dried blossoms in a freezer bag and freeze. Or you may choose to freeze them inside ice cubes!
One thing to keep in mind is that violets are free self-seeders and are known to spread quickly. They are capable of taking over a yard fairly quickly, so you’ll want to be careful if you plan on growing them.