Lime flower and himalayan balsam vitamin water

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The transportation of seeds or whole plants is an offence under the Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement and Permitting) Order 2019 in England and Wales and Section 14AA of the Wildlife and Countryside Act in Scotland. This means that no seeds or plants should be removed from the site where they currently grow, and sowing seeds or planting elsewhere either deliberately or accidentally would be a particularly serious offence. – Curtis Wright (phone: 07920 516559. email: curtis.wright@apha.gov.uk)


On a beautiful hot English summer afternoon, I went picking Lime Flowers (Tilia Spp.) and Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) flowers. The scent from the Lime made my head reel as I drifted into reverie.

Being of a sober nature these days I get tired of hearing that the only drinks foragers make are ones that include alcohol, and in most cases get you mind bendingly whacked out of your head.

These days I choose to get drunk on Life, with nothing stronger than an espresso passing my lips. That wasn’t always the case I have to say, it’s just that I’ve now discovered better, healthier, more natural and stimulant-free ways to experience ecstasy!

Enter the world of vitamin waters, or sobriety drinks as I call them. This one will hopefully have you purring with delight.


Ingredients

  • 100g lime flowers
  • 30 Himalayan/Indian balsam flowers
  • 2tbsp clear honey or 15 dates.
  • 2 litres water

Instructions

  1. Put ingredients into a 2-litre clip-top Kilner jar and stir until the honey has dissolved.
  2. Allow standing in direct sunlight on a windowsill for 2 days stirring morning and night.
  3. Serve either warm or ice cold. If you let the concoction stand for 4 days you’ll end up with a naturally effervescent drink, but it will be slightly more tart.

Makes: 2 litres