Violet Syrup

by Foods That Cure

by Susun Weed of Wise Woman

Yield 3 cups/750ml

Preparation time: Hours and hours of picking await you, and all in pursuit of some purple-colored sugar water. Or is there more to it than that? Perhapse aunt Violet will open a gateway to ecstacy for you.

1/2 pound/225g fresh violets
2 cups/500ml water
2 cups/500ml honey

Enlist all the help you can to pick violet blossoms. Boil water; pour over blossoms; cover. Let steep overnight in nonmetallic container. Strain out flowers. Reserve purple liquid. Combine violet infusion and honey. Simmer gently, stirring, for ten or fifteen minutes, until it seems like syrup. Fill clean jars. Cool. Keep well chilled to preserve.

Balsamic Pine Vinegar

by Foods That Cure

by Susan Weed of Wise Woman

Pine needle vinegar is an exquisite treat that is easy to make. I call it homemade “balsamic” vinegar.
Fill a jar with pine needles. (I prefer white pine, and pinyon pine is even better, but the needles of any pine are fine.)
Cover needles completely with apple cider vinegar, filling the jar to the top and capping with a plastic lid or a piece of plastic wrap held in place with a rubber band. This vinegar, like most that I make, is ready to use in six weeks.

Pine vinegar is rich in flavonoids, vitamins, and minerals. It helps keep the immune system strong, and strengthens the lungs as well. I love it on salads.