Redbud trees signal spring time in Appalachia. They are shades of pink or purple; not red. They are kin to peas. The fruits even look like pea pods. The pods are edible. However, the flowers are starring in these recipes. You can pick them easily by finding a redbud tree with branches low enough to reach. Run your hand down the branch gently collecting the flowers and buds into your fist. It is possible to collect a cup or two in minutes. You can make simple syrup or you can eat them fresh sprinkled on your salad or entrée.
Recipes
Redbud Simple Syrup: Collect 2 cups of Redbud flowers. Pick out the sticks and bugs to the best of your ability. A few left by mistake never hurt me. Wash the flowers briefly in cold water if they need it. Generally, I avoid washing the flowers because some of the sugars and flavor may be washed away. Place flowers in a heatproof glass bowl. Pour 2 cups of boiling water over the flowers. Mix gently, cover to keep out the other stray creatures, and let sit overnight on the counter. After 24 hours, strain the mixture through a jelly cloth into a glass bowl. Measure the amount of liquid collected. Add the liquid to a non-reactive pot along with an equal amount of white sugar. Bring to a gentle boil and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Pour into scalded canning jars with boiling water prepared lids. Can, using standard hot-water bath protocol for 10 minutes. I use 4 Oz. jars as shown in the picture above. These are fun to give as gifts and this recipe makes about 5 jars plus some to have in the fridge. If canned properly, these jars will keep on your shelf for a year. I have found that adding lemon juice in the cooking step at the end will make the syrup pinker. But it also changes the flavor. So I don’t.
Redbud seltzer: Mix 1 Tablespoon Redbud Simple Syrup or to taste with 1 Cup carbonated water (I use my soda stream to create this). Ice to taste. Stir carefully. It may bubble furiously. Serve.
Redbud Limeade: Mix 1 Tablespoon Redbud Simple Syrup with 1 Teaspoon fresh lime juice (lemon works too) into 1 Cup water. Ice to taste and serve. I like this with carbonated water too.
Redbud Margarita
- 2 Oz Tequila
- 1 full Oz lime juice with a bit extra
- 1.5 Oz Redbud Simple Syrup
Salt glass rim. Shake all ingredients over ice. Pour strained mixture over crushed ice in salted rimmed glass. Garnish with redbud blossoms, or lime wedges. Serve.
You can eat that? 