This is Why You Should Be Having Lilac Lemonade This Summer : The Hearty Soul

People often go above and beyond when entertaining guests. They strive to create memorable experiences, including the perfect menu or aesthetic. Fortunately, there are popular options like lilac lemonade, creating something that is a beautiful as it is refreshing. However, one can do many other things with edible flowers to create a memorable celebration. When Spring rolls around, fields and gardens come alive with chirping birds, buzzing bees, and fragrant blossoms. These often signify a time of adventure, new life, and longer days to share memorable moments with those we love. Unbeknownst to many, some of the Springtime flowers that emerge are edible and can enhance a meal in memorable ways—appealing to a number of senses, including touch, smell, taste, and sight.

Moreover, their natural beauty takes most of the hard work out of creating culinary masterpieces. For instance, lilac lemonade or tea calls for using only a few ingredients. Still, it’s a delicious and beautiful beverage that will keep people talking.

Easy Lilac Lemonade Recipe

The recipe for lilac lemonade is so simple and doesn’t differ much from a plain lemonade recipe. There are 2 step to making the drink.

Lilac Lemonade – Step 1

The first is creating a simple syrup, using lemon zest, a few flowers, or even peppermint if you’re feeling creative. Add lemon zest, peppermint leaves, or the blossoms to a 1/2 cup of water and 1/2 cup of sugar, on low-medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar has dissolved and the mix is simmering. Note it’s ideal to zest the lemons before squeezing them and to allow the mix to cool before adding it to the lilac lemonade so as not to “scald” the delicate flowers.

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Lilac Lemonade- Step 2

To yield around four servings, it’s suggested to use about 1 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice, about 7-10 lemons, preferably at room temperature. Then, add one cup of sugar to 4 cups of water. Lastly, add 4-6 lilac stalks. Place the pitcher in the fridge and allow it to “steep” for three days. Note that recipes are often suited to taste. Therefore, the amount of each ingredient is really up to the discretion of the person making, in this case, lilac lemonade.

Alternative Lilac Beverages

Other simple beverages include lilac infused water, just add water and some blossoms to a pitcher of water, store in the fridge, and allow some time to let the flavors “marry”. Lilac tea is almost as easy, it uses the same ingredients but there’s, unsurprisingly, an extra step. Boil the water, then add dried or fresh lilacs, and steep for 5-10 minutes. Meanwhile, lilac lemonade can also be turned into a fun, fizzy, “mocktail.” Spoiler alert: just add sparkling water to the already delicious beverage.

Lilac Lemonade Infusions

In addition to making beverages like lilac lemonade, the flowers can also be used in cooking or baking as well. For the simplest to create, yet memorable addition to your table, add salt or sugar to a mason jar. Then add some lilac blossoms for a couple weeks and allow the flowers to infuse the “garnishes”. This easy concoction will add a hint of floral flavor to any dish. Unsurprisingly, honey can also be infused to create a sweet a floral addition to nearly everything from appetizers to desserts to beverages. Additionally, like fruits, flowers can be used to enhance the flavor of certain cheeses. Moreover, these adorable little flowers offer both beauty and flavor to cakes or cookies as well.

Incredibly, lilacs can also be used to create a spa-like experience right at home. The flower blossoms and oils can be used in the bath to create a luxurious spa retreat. Meanwhile, according to The Practical Herbalist, the flowers may benefit healthier skin. Not to mention, their aromatic nature might do wonders to help ease the mind and have made them a desired scent for aromatherapy.

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Possible Benefits

Although there isn’t much evidence backing any scientific proof, some conclusions have been drawn regarding the possible health benefits of consuming, or using products containing, lilacs. The limited information suggests the flowers have been used in Eastern medicine as a powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and possibly to help soothe coughs or other respiratory illnesses.

Flowers are Food

Incredibly there are a number of edible flowers that have been used in the culinary, and medicinal, worlds for centuries. Dandelions, Pansies, Roses, and Lavender are a few other examples of edible flowers that may have some added benefits regarding health and well-being. In addition, being a delicious way to infuse already delicious treats like cakes, charcuterie boards, and beverages to create fun, festive, and memorable party hits like lilac lemonade. Note that not all flowers that are safe for human consumption, are also pet safe. In the case of lilacs, they’re seemingly safe for pets as well. However, it’s important to thoroughly research the flowers and other plants that are accessible to furry friends or family.

Harvesting the Ideal Blossoms

Some helpful hints for “harvesting” the most ideal blooms include those that aren’t frequently exposed to toxins from the environment like car emissions. Choose blossoms that are fresh and bright in color, rather than wilted or brown. The best time to pick the blossoms is when they’re dry, so not immediately after a rain shower. Lastly, the leaves should be fresh, which often occurs in the morning dew.

The Bottom Line

While most people know that flowers like lilacs add a cheery and fragrant touch to any room, few know just how special an impact they can have on food, beverages, and desserts. Try serving a simple recipe like lilac lemonade at your next BBQ or party, and you’ll be thrilled to find just how many people commend your creativity.

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