Wild Violet Foraging: The Secrets to Success

By Alicia Upton on 06/05/2021

Up until a week ago, I hadn’t the foggiest how to find a violet. I wasn’t even sure what they looked like! But having spent some time scouring the countryside (thankfully my friends don’t mind waiting whilst I examine random leaves and flowers while we walk) I’m seeing them everywhere. 

What do Violets look like?

There are many types of violets you may encounter on an afternoon ramble. While they may vary in colour (most flowers are a soft purple, but there are edible varieties in white and yellow) they all share common features:

  • Heart shaped leaves with a serrated edge. 
  • A petal pattern: Two petals on the top, three on the bottom. 
  • A white “bleeding” centre.
A Common Dog Violet
A Violet Found in Falmouth, Cornwall

Violet's Dastardly Doppelgangers 

Ivy Leaved Toadflax 

This is not a poisonous plant.

Ivy Leaved Toadflax (or Kenilworth Ivy) has flowers that could easily be mistaken for violets. They have the same “two up, three down” petal pattern, but are much smaller in size. The flowers also have small yellow bumps (see picture) in the centre that set them apart. 

The leaves are shaped a little like Ivy Leaves- another great way to tell the difference 

Interestingly, the leaves are incredibly high in vitamin C and have been used in the past to treat scurvy! 

Some Ivy Leaved Toadflax sprouting out of my garden wall.

Lesser Celandine 

Yellow Celandine is a dangerous doppelganger that is easy to distinguish when in flower. Celandine has yellow flowers that resemble buttercups, but the same heart shaped leaves. These plants are toxic, so steer clear! 

Lesser Celandine

When and Where do Violets Grow? 

In the UK, violets begin to blossom in late April and flower through till June. 

I’ve had the most luck finding violets in woodlands and near water- along coastal paths and bordering streams. This is because they love moisture rich soils. 

I’ve seen their purple heads peering out of verdant banks and creeping out from the cracks of moss covered walls. Keep your eyes at mid to low height when looking, and don’t be afraid to head down an alley or two. 

They tend shy away from the sun- blooming mostly in full to partial shade.

How do you use them? 

The blooms make beautiful garnishes and can be used to add vibrant colour to dishes and salads. You can use them to make violet syrup- a base for many violet cocktails (such as The Aviation) and sweet jellies.

We've shared a recipe for violet vinegar below- a delicious salad dressing that will turn a simple salad gourmet! It’s so easy, why not give it a go?

The green, heart shaped leaves are a delicious, nutritious alternative to spinach. Give them a go in a green salad, or blanch, boil or steam to add to your favourite dish.

Be sure to pick fresh, young leaves as older leaves can be tough and fibrous. It’s also best to avoid the stems,  as they can cause a mild reaction in some people- a hot and uncomfortable sensation in the throat. 

Remember, only forage the leaves when the flowers are in bloom, as they are almost identical to that of toxic doppelganger lesser celandine. 

Curious Cures 

The leaves are also edible, and high in vitamins A and C - half a cup of the leaves contains as much vitamin C as 4 oranges! They are also rich in the antioxidant beta-carotene and ascorbic acid. These leaves certainly pack a health punch! 

Sweet violets have traditionally been used to cure a wide range of maladies, including insomnia, depression and the common cold. The leaves and flowers of this particular violet contain decongestants- perfect for getting a cough off your chest.

How Can You Start Using Violets?

We’re preserving violet flowers this week in the Foodie Revolution, with sugaring- a method as old-as-time. 

Not in the foodie revolution? No need to miss your violet fix- why not whip up a cocktail or make some violet vinegar? It's vibrant purple colour will transform any salad dressing into a magical potion- perfect for getting the kids to eat their greens! Try the recipe below and let us know what you think.

We'd love to see what your up to- be sure to tag us in your foraging phots and cooking snaps!

Violet Vinegar

A vibrantly coloured floral vinegar- a must have for any larder! Add a gourmet twist to a simple green salad, or give a colourful kick to your favourite recipes.
Prep Time 5 mins

Equipment

  • 1 Sterilized Jar

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 Cup Violet Flowers
  • 1 Cup Good Quality White Wine Vinegar

Instructions
 

  • Gently rinse your flowers, and leave to dry.
  • Once dry, add them to your jar and pour over the white wine vinegar.
  • Cover the lid of your jar with a small square of parchment paper (to prevent a reaction between the vinegar and metal) and screw the lid on tightly.
  • Place the jar in a cool, dark place for 1-2 weeks, until colour has reached desired depth.
  • Strain out the flowers and re-jar the vinegar in a sterilized jar or bottle.

Notes

We recommend using a high quality white wine vinegar- cheap white wine vinegars have an overly acidic harsh flavour which with mask the subtle floral taste.
Avoid cider vinegars- they will alter the vibrant purple colour and overwhelm the balance of flavours. 
Article written by Alicia Upton

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