Nasturtium Vinegar

[Dace]

http://urbanhomestead.org/journal/


One of the fun things about urban homesteading is growing your own herbs. Not only are you growing your own spice rack but tasty drinks, medicine chest and beauty products.
From teas to tinctures from herbal butters to brews herbs are one of the most useful things you can grow on your urban homestead.
Going Herbal on the Homestead
I think I listed one time all the herbs we grew here on the urban homestead- cant seem to find it right now. But its here somewheres on the blog.
Growing is one thing, using them is an altogether wonderful experience. Not only will you be providing your family with homegrown pharmacy and enticing culinary flavors you can also expand into home cottage industry.
Heres some of our latest herbal delights: The inedible edible, nasturtium vinegar! (See recipe) Was inspired to try this latest creation thanks to the West Ladies DVD about using herbs.
These bright and cheery flowers are not only gorgeous but they are edible. For the most part the entire nasturtium plant is edible - leaves and seed pods (capers)
Flowers not only brighten up a salad they give a nice peppery taste. We throw nastys in pastas on pizzas.
The seeds can even be pickled!

Freshly picked Nasturtiums, into a clean jar

Steep and shake for a few weeks

 

[kcsunshine]

I don't grow nasturtiums, but this year I'm going to make chive flower vinegar. I'm just going to sit the jar outside for a couple of weeks in the sun as described in the Lasagna Gardening book. I think I'll try rosemary also.

 

[chicken stalker]

Ok I'm a newbi....what are you steeping them in (liquid?)?

 

[freemotion]

vinegar!

 

[chicken stalker]

thats what I figured but I didn't know if you were making vinegar out of these. Thanks.

Any particular type of vinegar?

 

[Dace]

Maybe raw apple vinegar? Probably any vinegar, but the health benefits of the ACV would be good.

 

[kcsunshine]

My recipe says white distilled. Vinegar will turn pink, flowers will turn white. Strain, discard old blossoms, replace vinegar into smaller containers with fresh blossoms and some chive stems. Store out of direct sunlight to retain pinkish color.