In June and July, the linden tree (Tilia cordata) bursts into bloom with an abundance of ivory-yellow flowers that have a sweet floral aroma and taste. The trees are great for pollinators, as over 60 species of insects regularly visit their nectar-filled inflorescences.
The flowers of the linden tree can be eaten fresh, and they also make excellent medicinal teas. Their fragrant flowers have been used for centuries as a natural remedy for a variety of ailments.
Linden blossom syrup can be added to cocktails and teas to enhance their flavor. This simple syrup is easy to make and only requires a few ingredients: sugar, water, linden flower and lemon juice or zest.
To make linden flower syrup, simply heat the sugar and water until they are completely dissolved. Rinse the linden flowers and give them a little shake to remove any bugs or dirt before adding to the pot.
After the syrup is made, leave it to cool and then put it in the refrigerator for a few days to let the linden blossoms infuse their flavor into the simple syrup. Once the time is up, drain the infused simple syrup and store it in an airtight container for use in cocktail making.
Infusion of linden blossoms is recommended for the treatment of colds and respiratory diseases, as well as for rinsing the mouth and throat. The tea is also good for flatulence and gastrointestinal disorders.
Herbal teas, infusions and herbal tinctures of linden blossoms are slightly sweet and fragrant. They are a valuable source of vitamins.
Homemade linden blossom syrup is delicious served as a spritzer or as a mixer for cocktails. It’s also very versatile and can be used to make tea, coffee or in a panna cotta with strawberries!
It’s also a great ingredient in smoothies. It’s very nourishing and a good source of calcium, magnesium and vitamin C.
Linden honey is light and mild in color with a strong flavor that has a fresh, woodsy scent. It’s delicious on its own, but can be paired with other flavors like mint and lemon for a refreshing drink.
You can harvest linden flowers right after they open, but the peak fragrance and flavor will only last about 24 to 48 hours. Drying them for later use is a great option, and is best done in a dehydrator at the lowest temperature setting.
The dried linden flowers can be stored in an airtight container for up to a year. When you’re ready to make a batch, it takes about 6 to 18 hours to completely dry the linden flowers, depending on the ambient humidity in your house and the moisture levels in and on the linden flowers when they are collected.
Linden flowers are great for making linden honey, a delicious honey that has a distinct woodsy flavor. They’re a popular bee pollen source and have long been valued for their healing properties.
