You don't have to buy woodruff syrup. It tastes much better when you make it yourself and is also he althier. Here you can find out how easy it is to make the thirst quencher yourself.
Many of the 35+ generation know from their childhood woodruff lemonade and the popular effervescent powder, with which you could dye your tongue green so wonderfully. However, this artificially produced woodruff taste does not come close to the aroma of a homemade woodruff syrup. Whether mixed with water or as an addition to a delicious Berliner Weisse - it is simply refreshingly delicious.
And the best? It's a lot easier to make than many people think. You only need a few ingredients and have a perfect thirst quencher with an unmistakable taste within a very short time. Guaranteed to bring back childhood memories.
Woodruff syrup: basic recipe and instructions
You can collect woodruffs yourself in the forest, grow them in your own garden or buy them at weekly markets or in well-stocked supermarkets. If you want to harvest the leaves in the forest, you should look in shady places in mixed forests or deciduous forests. The plant grows to a maximum height of 30cm and has elongated, pointed leaves with white flower umbels. Woodruff can be harvested from April to mid-June.
Ingredients:
For about 700ml woodruff syrup you need:
- 30g dried woodruff leaves
- 400ml water
- 200-250g sugar
- an organic lemon, sliced
Preparation:
Before you start full of energy: woodruff has to wither before it develops its aroma. Wash the fresh leaves and then place them on a kitchen towel or baking paper to dry for about 2 days. Only when they are wilted do they give off the typical aroma that we all love so much.
1 When the leaves are dry, you can start. Boil the water with the sugar for about 10 minutes until the sugar has completely dissolved and the liquid has a syrupy consistency.
2 Then add the woodruff leaves and lemon slices and leave the pot covered for 2 to 3 days. After thisRemove woodruff and lemon and allow the syrup to boil again.
3 Now the woodruff syrup is ready and can be filled into clean bottles that have been rinsed with hot water.
The woodruff syrup will keep for approx. 6 months if stored tightly closed and in a dark place. Of course, the syrup is not as bright green as we know it from the supermarket. He is rather clear to pale green. If you prefer a stronger green to create something for the eye, you can add a few drops of green food coloring. With mineral water or as a punch, woodruff syrup is a delicious summer drink and you can also use it in cocktails.