GORSE
Scientific Name: Ulex europaeus
Flavour: Gorse flowers have a sweet, floral aroma and a slightly coconut-like flavour. The flowers can be used to add a fragrant and subtle sweetness to culinary creations.
Growing Season: Gorse typically blooms from late winter to early summer, with its peak flowering period occurring during the spring months.
Native Region: Gorse is native to Europe, including the British Isles, and can be found in various regions worldwide.
Traditional Recipe: Gorse Flower Cordial
Ingredients:
2 cups of Gorse flowers, carefully plucked from the plant
4 cups of water
2 cups of granulated sugar
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
Juice and zest of 1 orange
Instructions:
Rinse the Gorse flowers gently under cold water to remove any insects or debris. Pat them dry.
In a large saucepan, bring the water to a boil.
Add the Gorse flowers to the boiling water and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the Gorse flowers steep in the water for approximately 1 hour to infuse their flavour.
After the steeping time, strain the Gorse flowers from the liquid, using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any solids.
Return the infused liquid to the saucepan and add the granulated sugar, lemon juice and zest, and orange juice and zest.
Place the saucepan back on the heat and simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes, stirring until the sugar has dissolved and the cordial has slightly thickened.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the Gorse flower cordial cool completely.
Transfer the cordial to sterilized bottles or jars and store in the refrigerator.
The Gorse flower cordial can be used as a refreshing drink when mixed with still or sparkling water. It can also be used as a flavouring in desserts, cocktails, or salad dressings.
Health Properties: Gorse flowers contain flavonoids and other phytochemicals that are believed to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, there is limited scientific research specifically focused on the health properties of Gorse flowers. As with any foraged or wild plant, it is advisable to gather from clean, uncontaminated areas and be aware of potential allergies or sensitivities.
Growing Technique:
Location: Gorse thrives in sunny areas with well-drained soil. It can tolerate poor soil conditions and is often found in coastal areas.
Planting: Gorse is typically propagated from seeds. Sow the seeds directly in the garden in autumn or early spring, as they have a hard seed coat that benefits from scarification (scratching or nicking) or soaking in warm water prior to planting.
Maintenance: Once established, Gorse requires minimal maintenance. Prune the plant after flowering to maintain its shape and promote bushier growth. Take care when pruning, as Gorse has sharp thorns.
Self-seeding: Gorse is known to self-seed readily. If you wish to control its spread, remove unwanted seedlings.
Fire Hazard: Gorse is highly flammable and can be a fire hazard, particularly during dry periods. Take precautions to manage Gorse growth and reduce the risk of fire in areas prone to wildfires.