Notes from the Brew Room Ann King

Sweeten, shake and steam

Ann King

Linden, or Lime Blossom, is a favoured part of many relaxing infusion blends. At this time of year, I set up camp underneath the local Tilia sp. to avoid missing that narrow window of opportunity; when the silvery bracts uncover the delicate little blossom, and the heady fragrance ousts the Hawthorn blossom as the signature summer note. These flowers only last about a week, but are easily dried and stored for year-round use. When slowly decocted, they create a deep red infusion which can be sipped hot or cold throughout the day as a relaxing nervine, or taken in the evening as part of a sleep blend. Aside from the conventional Lime blossom tilleul, we have been poring over recipes in old Herbals and searching online for modern adaptations to inspire the creative spirit. The Linden blossom has a honey-like fragrance and flavour, which makes for versatility in use. Here are a few ideas to spark the olfactory senses, nourish the skin, excite the tastebuds and relax the mind.

Firstly, sustainably harvest the Lime (Linden) flowers on a warm, sunny morning. Try to use some that have not opened. Remove the bracts, and always set the blossom to the side in a paper bag, to allow insects to crawl out.

Simple Tilleul Syrup Ingredients 750ml Linden blossom with bracts removed, gently rinsed 500ml spring water 500g cane sugar 3 unwaxed Lemons (juice and zest)

Method Gently heat the sugar and water until the sugar crystals have dissolved. Add the flowers, Lemon juice and zest to the syrup. Stir carefully and then allow to come to room temperature before covering and putting in the fridge Allow a few days for the flowers to infuse Strain through a muslin cloth or fine sieve, and store in an airtight glass jar for up to a month.

There are so many uses for an herbal syrup of any sort that once your experimentation begins, you’ll soon find your fridge bursting with treats for all palates and occasions. Try drizzling liberally over a fruit cocktail, breakfast muesli, cheesecake or meringues. Alternatively, make a seltzer using the syrup like a cordial and topping up with soda, ice and a slice, and a sprig of mint. Or take it one alcoholic step further….

Two Lime Cocktail Put ice cubes in a mixer. Add a 2:1 ratio of vodka : Linden blossom tilleul Mix with a long-handled implement Cut a strip of lime peel (no white pith), bend the twist lengthwise with skin facing out, to release the lime oil Squeeze the twist briefly over the glass, rub it round the glass rim, then drop into the glass Add soda to taste Linden Blossom Floral Water Distillation is a wonderful and simple way to harness the beneficial fragrance and actions of an herb. The resulting liquid is infused with water soluble volatile oils and plant compounds. Lime blossom floral water is helpful for calming respiratory and heart issues, and also for cleansing and refreshing the skin. It has a balancing effect on the nervous system and its soothing and its anti-inflammatory action is perfect for use on dry, itching eczema. A spritz of the floral water is also apparently beneficial for deepening meditative practice, echoing its traditional folk use as a truth serum. Ingredients Linden blossom Water Ice Saucepan with a domed lid that can rest upturned on the pot.

Method Place a small bowl inside the pan, leaving an area large enough to create the blossom moat. Pour your blossom carefully around the bowl and top up with filtered water, reaching just short of the top of the bowl. Now put the upside-down lid on top and begin to gently heat, bringing up to a gentle simmer. Have the ice cubes ready to place on top of the lid— ideally in a small bag. Allow the steam to condense into the bowl, keeping an eye on the water levels in your herbal moat and adding more ice when necessary. Decant the fragrant floral water into sterilised bottles or spritzers.

Disclaimer No recipes are intended to replace medical advice and the reader should seek the guidance of their doctor for all health matters. These profiles and recipes are intended for information purposes only and have not been tested or evaluated. Ann King is not making any claims regarding their efficacy and the reader is responsible for ensuring that any replications or adaptations of the recipes that they produce are safe to use and comply with cosmetic regulations where applicable.