Foraging for Redbud’s Flavorful Flowers
Where to Find Redbud Trees
Different species of redbud grow in different parts of the world, each with edible blossoms. In eastern North America, look for
Cercis canadensis; in California and other western states, look for
C.
occidentalis; and around the Mediterranean and some parts of Asia you’ll find
C.
siliquastrum.
Pickled Redbud Recipe
Use these piquant and colorful pickles instead of capers in any recipe that calls for the latter. The texture of these pickled redbud blossoms is best if you collect the flower buds before they have fully opened.
Ingredients
• Redbud blossoms
• White wine or distilled vinegar
• Water
• Kosher or other non-iodized salt
Instructions
1. Rinse the flower clusters under cold water. Pinch off and discard the stems.
2. Combine equal parts white vinegar and water. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt per cup of brine and stir to dissolve. Plan on an equal amount of brine by volume for the quantity of redbud buds that you have gathered. In other words, one cup of brine per cup of flowers.
3. Fill a clean jar with the redbud blossoms, then cover them with the brine. Make sure the jar is completely full, then simply screw on the lid to keep the blossoms submerged under the brine. Some brine will leak out when you do so: that’s okay. Place the jar on a small plate and leave at room temperature for three days, away from direct sunlight which could discolor the flowers. Be sure to unscrew the lid to release pressure a few times a day.
4. Transfer the jar to the refrigerator. Don’t expose pickled redbud blossoms to heat or their texture and color will diminish (no boiling water bath canning for these).
Leda Meredith is the author of Northeast Foraging: 120 Wild and Flavorful Edibles from Beach Plums to Wineberries. You can watch herforaging and food preservation videos, and follow her food adventures at Leda’s Urban Homestead.
Her latest book is Preserving Everything: Can, Culture, Pickle, Freeze, Ferment, Dehydrate, Salt, Smoke…and More.
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