Uploaded July 2023 | Updated September 2026, 3 days ago
Hi Friends! Our family thrives on the many foraged foods available to us, and the wondrous flavours many of them possess. But perhaps standing above them all is Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), one of our favorite flavours in the world. Here's how to ID the plant and how to make an incredible syrup that captures the essence of this plant. Yes, we're making something out of sugar -- our family is definitely low-sugar, but we also try to take everything in moderation -- including moderation =)
Here is the recipe:
Take 15 large or 20 medium flowerheads and put in a ceramic pot. Many recipes add lemon juice or other acid. Skip that, because it will alter the flavour too much.
Add 8 cups of water and 8 cups of cane sugar -- using the raw cane sugar will give a richness of flavor you won't get with white sugar.
Although I give a couple of methods, if you really want to take the time to get the best product possible, bring to a light boil, stirring occasionally, and reduce by 1/3 to 1/2 (more reduction equals more shelf life). Don't reduce too much, or you'll have candy (which isn't bad in its own right!). Then cover and leave overnight.
In the morning, gather the flowerheads into a nut milk bag and squeeze all the juice out of them. Put the flowerheads back outside, then strain your syrup through the nut milk bag and bottle!
To make the liqueur, you can use this calculator (which also comes in very handy for tinctures): omnicalculator.com/food/alcohol-dilution
Enter 25% for target alcohol content, which will give you a shelf-stable liqueur. In the water/weak alcohol, enter the amount of syrup you're using.
If you don't want to use the calculator, here is what I do -- 5 oz. syrup to 8.3 oz. organic 80 proof vodka. I'm not super exacting with the 8.3 -- just do a little over 8. Note that when you first make this, it might taste a little alcohol-y (of course, I'm a super lightweight, so maybe it won't be for you). Over the next ten days, the flavour will mellow.
Be sure to share in the comments if you find this amazing herb and tell us what you make with it!
-----------
We could not be living this life or making these videos without our beloved patrons. Join our ReWild University family here:
rewildu.com/patrons
OR set up a monthly or one time donation through Paypal --
-- rewildu.com/patrons
Visit our bookstore for new and upcoming titles from ReWild University at rewildu.com/bookstore
================================
Learn more at: rewildu.com
Check out our online video courses! "ReWild Your Mind", will guide you through methods of cultivating a clear, powerful, and positive mind-set.
rewildu.com/online-courses/rewild-your-mind-online-course
"Surviving Civilization" gives you powerful tools for THRIVING in our civilized lives. rewildu.com/surviving-civilization-online-course
Subscribe to our UNLEASH YOUR LIFE podcast at:
rewildu.com/unleash-your-life-podcast
Visit rewildu.com/classes for unique educational opportunities in rewilding, wilderness skills, mindfulness, martial arts, primal fitness, and more.
======================================
Equipment used to film this video --
Canon M50: amzn.to/2Ii2nhg
Rode VideoMic Go: amzn.to/2RXVQrf
This video description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, we’ll receive a small commission. This helps support our channel and allows us to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for the support!
Hi Friends! Our family thrives on the many foraged foods available to us, and the wondrous flavours many of them possess. But perhaps standing above them all is Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), one of our favorite flavours in the world. Here's how to ID the plant and how to make an incredible syrup that captures the essence of this plant. Yes, we're making something out of sugar -- our family is definitely low-sugar, but we also try to take everything in moderation -- including moderation =)
Here is the recipe:
Take 15 large or 20 medium flowerheads and put in a ceramic pot. Many recipes add lemon juice or other acid. Skip that, because it will alter the flavour too much.
Add 8 cups of water and 8 cups of cane sugar -- using the raw cane sugar will give a richness of flavor you won't get with white sugar.
Although I give a couple of methods, if you really want to take the time to get the best product possible, bring to a light boil, stirring occasionally, and reduce by 1/3 to 1/2 (more reduction equals more shelf life). Don't reduce too much, or you'll have candy (which isn't bad in its own right!). Then cover and leave overnight.
In the morning, gather the flowerheads into a nut milk bag and squeeze all the juice out of them. Put the flowerheads back outside, then strain your syrup through the nut milk bag and bottle!
To make the liqueur, you can use this calculator (which also comes in very handy for tinctures): omnicalculator.com/food/alcohol-dilution
Enter 25% for target alcohol content, which will give you a shelf-stable liqueur. In the water/weak alcohol, enter the amount of syrup you're using.
If you don't want to use the calculator, here is what I do -- 5 oz. syrup to 8.3 oz. organic 80 proof vodka. I'm not super exacting with the 8.3 -- just do a little over 8. Note that when you first make this, it might taste a little alcohol-y (of course, I'm a super lightweight, so maybe it won't be for you). Over the next ten days, the flavour will mellow.
Be sure to share in the comments if you find this amazing herb and tell us what you make with it!
-----------
We could not be living this life or making these videos without our beloved patrons. Join our ReWild University family here:
rewildu.com/patrons
OR set up a monthly or one time donation through Paypal --
-- rewildu.com/patrons
Visit our bookstore for new and upcoming titles from ReWild University at rewildu.com/bookstore
================================
Learn more at: rewildu.com
Check out our online video courses! "ReWild Your Mind", will guide you through methods of cultivating a clear, powerful, and positive mind-set.
rewildu.com/online-courses/rewild-your-mind-online-course
"Surviving Civilization" gives you powerful tools for THRIVING in our civilized lives. rewildu.com/surviving-civilization-online-course
Subscribe to our UNLEASH YOUR LIFE podcast at:
rewildu.com/unleash-your-life-podcast
Visit rewildu.com/classes for unique educational opportunities in rewilding, wilderness skills, mindfulness, martial arts, primal fitness, and more.
======================================
Equipment used to film this video --
Canon M50: amzn.to/2Ii2nhg
Rode VideoMic Go: amzn.to/2RXVQrf
This video description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, we’ll receive a small commission. This helps support our channel and allows us to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for the support!
