Magnolia flowers bloom in early spring and are an absolute delight to behold. They are not only beautiful to look at, but their flowers are actually edible. With a floral and gingery taste (I also really love using the branches for Macrame wall hangings - it's my favourite wood to work with and the tree from which I harvest grows just outside of my old bedroom at my family home)
You Will Need:
-A Pan
-Jelly-bag/Tights (clean and unused)
-Wooden Spoon
-Two Sterilised Jars
-Scales
-Knife
Ingredients:
-250g Sugar (I used white granulated)
-250ml Water
-100g Magnolia
Creating Magnolia Syrup
1- Add the sugar and water to the pan and bring to a boil then remove from heat. Mix the sugar until it has dissolved.
2- In the meantime, roughly chop the Magnolia and add to one of the sterile jars.
3- Once the sugar water has reached a touch temperature** (not too hot, but still warm) pour it over the chopped Magnolia and seal. Place in the fridge to steep for about 48 hours.
4- Once the 48 hours is up, use the tights*** or jelly-bag to strain the liquid into the second sterile jar then seal.
A properly sealed bottle should live in a dark dry cupboard for a few weeks and once opened, it should live in the fridge for a week or so.
Add a teaspoon to your favourite drink daily, or take it neat as and when you feel a little low.
For Magnolia Tea:
You will simply need a sheet of baking parchment and a cool, dark place.
1- Lay the petals on a baking sheet, spaced apart from each other.
2- Leave them a few days to dry.
3- Once dry, pop them in a sterile jar and add a couple of petals to tea as and when desired!
Goes beautifully with oolong, black tea, green tea, other herbs or even on their own!
*Due to possible slowing of the nervous system, Magnolia should be avoided for anybody due to have an operation (general anaesthetic) or anybody who is taking sedative medications. Regardless, always consult your GP or a certified herbalist. Not suitable for pregnancy or breastfeeding.
**keeping the temperature low ensures that the flowers and syrup don't burn and that the syrup retains as much of the beneficial nutrients and properties as possible.
***I don't own a jelly-bag, but I do own unworn and clean tights! I never use muslin cloths anymore as they absorb too much liquid, even after straining and wringing them out!
Lyra&Atlas and owner Hayleigh Walker hope you enjoy this recipe and any other featured on this blog, but we are not responsible for the outcome of any recipe you try from www.lyraandatlas.com. Always use your best judgement with ingredients & storage and be aware that results can and may vary. Be aware of all heated surfaces and any sharp or dangerous instruments used when crafting these recipes.
Any medicinal mention is from my own research, knowledge or personal use and should not be taken as fact. Always do your own research and contact a trained herbalist and/or GP.
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References:
Cunninghams Encyclopedia of Magickal Herbs, (2nd ed, 2018), Scott Cunningham, Llewellyn Publications.
https://www.foragedbyfern.com/
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