We have some super sumptuous recipes in our upcoming Outlander Issue from Gather Victoria, who made so many Scottish delights that we weren’t able to fit this magical thistle jelly in the magazine, so we’re including the recipe here. Isn’t it wondrous? We can’t wait till you see what IS in the issue!
You’ll start by harvesting 2 cups of fresh blossoms to make a very strong tisane (a French word for herbal infusion) which is basically a tea with flowers, fruits or herbs steeped in boiling water.
Ingredients
• 2 cups tightly packed thistle blossoms
• 4 cups water
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 3 1/2 cups of organic cane sugar
• 1 package of pectin
Directions
• Bring water to boil. Remove from heat and let cool a couple of minutes. Add the downy petals and a few whole flower heads and push them down into the water until fully covered. Cover and steep one hour. Strain.
• Place your tisane in a pot, add lemon juice and pectin. Stirring constantly, bring to a boil. Add sugar and keep stirring until mixture comes to a rolling boil – then boil one minute longer. Remove from heat. Skim any foam from the top.
• Pour into sterilized jars leaving 1/4” headspace. Process in a hot water bath for 10 min. Or you can skip this step and put into the fridge, it will keep a few weeks.
I don’t live in Scotland. Is the thistle we have in northwest Vermont usable?
Hi there!
Yes. All thistles – no matter if they’re Bull Thistle, Blessed Thistle, Canada Thistle, Meadow Thistle, Creeping Thistle and Milk Thistle (and the list goes on and on) are edible. As long as the blossoms are still fresh & young and brightly coloured (not beginning to turn to fluffy) they will completely do!
I have globe echinops thistle, will that work?
Hi!
I don’ think it is technically a thistle! Its leaves are edible and medicinal but I’m not sure about the flower heads. I’ve certainly never tried to make a jelly with it before!
Id have to check with you here. Which is not something I usually do! I enjoy reading a post that will make people think. Also, thanks for allowing me to comment!
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