Notes from the Brew Room

An intoxicating fragrance

Ann King

When the aerial parts of Sweet Woodruff (Gallium odoratum) are dried naturally, they fill the air with the heady fragrance of hay and vanilla— a reminder and a promise of long, hot, sunny days. Sweet Woodruff contains coumarinic compounds, which are released as the plant dies down; it is these that cause the intense scent. Little wonder that this herb has a long history as a perfumery fixative. It was traditionally used in churches during festivals and holidays to mask the less pleasant smells of the swelling congregations, and in Medieval households to disguise any foul organic odours.

You may not fancy strewing dried herbs all around your home, but there’s no reason to deprive yourself of their aromas. Here in the Brew Room, we love a modern twist on an old favourite, and have created little sachets containing a combination of Pine (Pinus spp.), Larch (Larix decidua), and Sweet Woodruff, to help freshen both the linen and the boot cupboard. For naturally removing pet or other odours from your rugs and carpets, you may like to consider using a Strewing Sprinkle. Simply grind a selection of dried strewing herbs, such as Lavender (Lavandula spp.), Sage (Salvia officinalis), Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus), and Rose (Rosa spp.), and mix with an equal quantity of bicarbonate of soda. Shake sparingly on rugs and carpets, leave for fifteen minutes, and then vacuum as normal.

In honour of Beltane and May Day, it is timely to mention the traditional May wine drunk in Germany and Belgium. Known as Maiwein, Maibowle, or Waldmeisterbowle, this alcoholic beverage has been brewed since at least 900 CE, and is drunk to herald the shift from spring to summer. John Gerard (1545– 1612) claimed that adding the pretty Sweet Woodruff to wine would ‘make a man merrie’, and our recipe certainly does that. The inclusion of Wild Strawberries (Fragaria vesca) adds to the merriment, and also restores balance— we love them both for their exquisite taste, and their liver-cleansing properties. To accompany this delicious aperitif, we suggest cleansing, nutritive, and delicious canapés.

Maibowle with Wild Strawberries

10g Sweet Woodruff

1 bottle of semi-dry white wine, preferably German

50g sugar

1 bottle of dry sparkling wine

Wild Strawberries, or cultivated if unavailable

Method

Harvest the aerial parts of Sweet Woodruff before flowering, and dry as quickly as practical. Take the leaves off the stems and set aside. Add the wine and the sugar to a large Kilner jar or similar, and stir to dissolve. Add in the dried Sweet Woodruff, and cover. Refrigerate for approximately 30 minutes. Strain, and serve with the Strawberries and topped up with sparkling wine.

Contraindications: Sweet Woodruff should only be taken in moderation, and not at all if you are taking blood thinning medication.

Canapés with Bitter Liver Pickle

Adapted from Glennie Kindred’s recipe in Letting in the Wild Edges (Permanent Publications, 2013).

One handful of young Dandelion leaves (Taraxacum officinale), to cleanse the liver

One handful of Common Sorrel (Rumex acetosa), for its tangy taste and stimulating action

One handful of Parsley (Petroselinum crispum), for its antioxidants and nutritive punch

½ handful of Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata), for flavour

½ tsp crushed Fennel seeds (Foeniculum vulgare), for their carminative effect

Approximately 2tbs each of Olive oil (Olea europaea) and vinegar, to be added sparingly as necessary

Method

Remove the central rib of the Dandelion leaves. Wash all the herb leaves carefully, and chop. Steam the leaves gently for no more than a minute. Remove from the steamer, and add to a large bowl. Gently whisk in the oil and vinegar until you achieve the consistency of moist pesto. Season to taste. Serve on top of oatcakes with goat cheese, smoked fish, or roasted Peppers (Capsicum spp.).

Disclaimer

No recipes are intended to replace medical advice and the reader should seek the guidance of their doctor for all health matters. The 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.