![]() |
|
![]() |
|
![]() |
|
![]() |
Sharp and sour but sweet and succulent all at the same time, this traditional accompanyment to cold meat is bursting with flavour, and folklore !
'Rowan tree and red thread - have the witches all in dread'
On May eve Rowan crosses used to be worn in UK and were sometimes fastened to cattle (or their barns) for protection against witches and other 'evil doers'. Legend has it that the crosses had to be made without a metal knife to work properly. Rowan branches were also bought indoors on a Good Friday as this tree had a reputation for strong protection against psychic forces.
This 'mish-mash' of folklore and Christianity indicates older uses of the tree having been 'assimilated' into a religion that converted people by adapting their beliefs and practices to its own ends. 'Rowan' is the most interesting of tree names with connections to both ancient Norse and Hindu/Sanskrit culture. Spelled several ways it is connected to the old Norse word 'Runa' - meaning a charm - and being able to ward off the effects of the 'evil eye'. In even earlier times 'Runa' was the Sanskrit word for 'magician'. 'Run-stafas' were staves cut from the Rowan tree and inscribed with runes for magical (and most likely protective) reasons. The smooth bark is ideal for this purpose.
The Rowan was such a sacred tree to the Celts that many churchyards in Wales still include the tree, not unlike the Yew tree in English churchyards. The berries were much used by the Celts for brewing wine, spirit, flavouring mead, ale, perry and cider. Try squeezing some of the fresh berry juice and putting it into a gin and tonic - it makes a convincing alternative to Angostura bitters. The fresh juice is mildly laxative and good for soothing inflamed mucous membranes. In herbal medicine the juice forms the basis of an astringent gargle for sore throats and in the 19th century it was used to treat scurvy - the disease of vitamin C deficiency.
Rowan berries are around from July/August through to November in the UK and may even stay on a tree until January if the thrushes don't eat them. They are at their best for Rowan Jelly when they have attained full colour but are not yet mushy. They contain varying amounts of tartaric, citric and malic acid dependent on their ripeness. Cut them from the stalks in clusters and remove as much stem as possible before cooking. When made into a jelly the fruit becomes quite astringent and the tart taste makes a good 'digestif' accompaniment to meats such as venison, cold game or fowl.
Take about 3 pounds of Rowan berries and two pounds of juicy apples. Peel and core the apples, slice them and place them to simmer in 2 pints of water for 10 minutes, while you are washing and sorting the berries. Add the berries and simmer to a pulp. Use a potato masher to help this process if you like. Let the mixture cool a bit and then strain it through a jelly bag, leaving it to drip overnight.
Warm about 2 pounds of sugar and stir in the liquid mixture and heat to a simmer. I must admit to adding some pectin at this point as I have a problem with runny jams. You can do this and leave the apples out for a clear jelly. Add a knob of butter and stir to a rolling boil for a few minutes and put it into sterilised jars and seal. It is a most unusual taste but the thing that delights me most about this jelly is the fantastic colour.
With thanks to: J. Lust, C.L. Zalewski, R. Phillips, Edward Step
From an ebook called 'Wild Food' underway at simonthescribe. If you wish to republish this article (with this resource box intact) you will find excellent quality pictures to accompany it at
http://www.simonthescribe.co.uk/ROWAN%20JE LLY.html
The world has opened eyes to the harmful side-effects of... Read More
I ran into a friend yesterday, who tells me that... Read More
Stuffed shrimp recipes will help you celebrate any special occasion... Read More
Many low fat low cholesterol recipes are usually bland and... Read More
As puberty crept up and I became a passive passenger... Read More
Lean protein is your diet is essential to weight loss... Read More
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) there are five elements... Read More
Enjoy the sensation of fried chicken without the extra calories... Read More
The whole thing started when my sister-in-law called to say... Read More
It's tomato time! If you're a gardener, you might be... Read More
Sweet and sour fish is one of the most popular... Read More
Pre-packaged store-bought box mixes are expensive. Have you considered homemade... Read More
Making beer is easy, inexpensive, and most of all, fun.... Read More
The Microwave Generation of the 1990's has now finished school... Read More
Wild Watercress soup is a delicious and nutritious recipe with... Read More
I love bananas for breakfast.I think bananas a convenient food... Read More
SERVING SIZE,one roll (of 18). CARBS PER SERVING,: 2.8 grams... Read More
Just because you are watching your weight, doesn't mean the... Read More
What makes Thai BBQ chicken recipes so delicious? It is... Read More
If you are seeking a very unique flavored bbq sauce... Read More
Green vegetables are the food most missing in modern diets.... Read More
Looking for a traditional Spanish recipe? Without doubt, the best-known... Read More
This refreshing tomato soup is a great cool meal for... Read More
Ingredients: ¾ cup cold water plus 2 Tablesps (very important)... Read More
Fudge is a treat that everyone loves. It doesn't matter... Read More
It's nice when I find a meal where the foods... Read More
What makes Thai BBQ chicken recipes so delicious? It is... Read More
Twenty-three chefs who cooked for world royalty and heads of... Read More
Looking for a great Italian meatball recipe? Wrap your lips... Read More
Due to the fact that cucumber is rich in all... Read More
Oh, for the lazy days of Summer.... As If!Nowadays we... Read More
This delicious treat adds only 1.9 grams of carb for... Read More
Family bean curd is Sichuan's famous characteristic dish. Its main... Read More
This chili recipe is, indeed, a really nightmare! Taste it... Read More
As puberty crept up and I became a passive passenger... Read More
When it was unfolding, I never thought I lived in... Read More
Broccoli is a major EnergyRich ?, food and strength builder.... Read More
Long term weight loss isn't about hunger, misery and crash... Read More
You too can make a spectacular turkey dinner!TT has what... Read More
Summer time is great for barbequing, but aren't you tired... Read More
When I lived in the North End of Boston, in... Read More
Prep Time: 5 Minutes Cook Time: 30 Minutes Ready In:... Read More
Here it is - that time of year when everyone's... Read More
Spaghetti has always been a favorite family meal. My teenage... Read More
You can make guacamole that people will rave about! It's... Read More
There are two ways to pronounce scone. "Skon" in England... Read More
Enjoy the sensation of fried chicken without the extra calories... Read More
If you want to prepare the perfect garlic lemon chicken... Read More
With the long hot days of summer, you will find... Read More
Crust-less QuicheQuick and easy, this meal is great either hot... Read More
Recipes & Food and Drink Recipes & Food and Drink |