When the winter is ending, hazelnut trees start to flower. Male flowers called catkins are full of pollen that contains loads of vitamin C and it tastes wonderful.
Hazel is a symbol of fertility and sexuality, it is known in herbalism, alternative medicine and in cuisine. In addition to its nutritional and healing properties, it is also known in the for its magic properties.
This wonderful forest delicacy can also be dried and ground into flour from which aromatic bread can be prepared.
Catkins used to save many hungry bellies at the end of the winter when there was not much fresh food to find.
Ingredients and preparation:
I prepared chocolate hazelnut catkins, melting the chocolate in a double boiler.
I dipped catkins in chocolate and placed them on baking paper. I covered them with coconut shreds and placed in the fridge for 20 minutes.
I made a tea of hazelnut catkins and rose dog berries.
I poured hot water over it and let it infuse for 10 minutes. This kind of tea is great to prevent springtime lethargy.
Interesting. I didn't know that you could eat those. I've seen some around during my walks. I'll have to pick some!
Do they taste good?
Tastes really nice because there full of pollen, they taste a bit bitter too but if you pick up the ones that opened up more they already lost most of the bitterness.
If you have allergies to pollen it might react to your body so be sure to make a test on your skin to see if you get any reactions.