Wild Sweet Violets an Edible and Medicinal Plant

Wild Sweet Violets are a Gift of Spring!

The common simple, and wild sweet violet is truly a gift of spring.

One of the first blooms you will see in early spring is the common sweet violet (Viola odorata). You will find them growing in naturalized areas of well-drained soil with partial shade to dappled sun. You can grow it yourself, and may already, just take a look around you just might find it. Sweet violet can be propagated by seeds. It spreads quickly by short runners, so be careful where you put it! Use it for a woodsy effect under a shade tree where it will flourish. You can also plant violets planters and containers.

Edible uses for the delicate purple flowers include Jellies, teas, salads, sautes and garnishes. The flowers are lovely dried and placed on a cake for decoration. The leaves cam be used fresh in salads and sauteed or used in soups. The young leaves can be placed in salads either alone or mixed with other greens. Since the more mature leaves will become more chewy it is a good idea to use them sauteed.

Not only are the blooms and leaves edible, they are medicinal as well! Traditionally used for headaches, stress, anxiety, insomnia, respiratory issues, skin conditions, and digestive complaints. The sources of use include teas, infusions, syrups, honey, vinegar, poultice compressions. salves and infused oils.

Below is a simple salad you may like to try, using young tender leaves as well as a simple tea.  (Remember, food is medicine) 💜

Sweet Violet Salad with Gouda Cheese & Pear

Several Violet Flowers (maybe 1/2 to 3/4 cup of)

2 Cups Young Raw Violet Leaves (no stems)

1/4 cup of Smoked Gouda Cheese, cut into bite size

1 Pear, cored, and sliced into wedges

On 2 plates place violet leaves and alternate with Gouda with pear wedges in a random design. Divide flowers between both plates.

Dress with a vinaigrette like Raspberry Vinaigrette and enjoy!

A Simple Cup of Sweet Violet Tea

Chop 1/2 cup of cleaned, fresh violets making 3 to 4 tablespoons or 1 tablespoon dried violet leaf and or flowers. Drop them into 1 cup of water that has been brought to a boil and turned off. Place a lid on the pan and allow to seep for 8 to 12 hours. Additionally, you may add an optional lemon slice if desired. Drink no more than one cup every two hours.

***As always, consult your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or nursing***

Did I mention that sweet violets are high in vitamin C, encourages lymphatic flow and is inflammatory? It's true! And so, I plan to add some more easy ways to use this lovely medicinal plant, here, in the very near future. Right now, however, I am going out to harvest some flowers. I will let them dry well and then place them in a jar, with a cover, in a dark cupboard for future purposes.

Thank you spring for all the benefits of wild sweet violets, an edible and medical plant!

Wild Sweet Violets as an Edible and Medicinal Plant