Common blue violets are found growing in fields, shaded forest areas, and by the sides of roads all around the United States. There are additional Viola species, however they are typically grown as aesthetic flowers in vegetable plots or flower borders. However, one thing that never changes is how widely used violet flowers are. So, are violets edible? You certainly can!
Vitamin C and A are highly concentrated in violets’ leaves and blossoms. The violet plant is edible and can be used to make syrups, teas, and baked goods. Flowers can be used as a garnish on soups and salads. It’s crucial to eat violet flowers and leaves in moderation because too much consumption could upset your stomach because this plant does contain a chemical called saponin. Despite this, many herbalists laud violets for their usefulness and significance as a food plant.
What varieties of violets can be eaten?
There are nearly 80 closely related edible violet species in the United States, and even the common blue violet is now thought to be a subspecies of a species with a great deal of variation, which includes, among other things, a subspecies with white flowers (V. sororia ‘Albiflora’) and a widely distributed hybrid between that subspecies and the blue form, which produces a blue-and-white flower.
I’m not sure what else could be more perplexing for you than that. I would rather enjoy these violets and leave the disagreements to the botanists who are paid to do it.
Additionally edible are violets with yellow blossoms, such as the round-leaf yellow violet (V. rotundifolia), which is found in wetlands. The swamp blue violet (Viola cucullata), another excellent species, is simple to identify since its blossom rises much above the base leaves.
The edible leaves of young garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) resemble violet leaves, except they are rounder rather than pointed. Their leaf borders are wavy, they have very deep veins, and they smell like garlic when crushed. Unlike violets, they start off as a basal rosette before developing into a tall stem with white, four-petaled flowers.
The leaves of the common mallow (Malva neglecta) resemble violet leaves in appearance, but they are pleated, rounded rather than pointed, and again, the flowers and fruits are very different.
Is the plant known as the African violet toxic?
By the way, the ASPCA’s Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants page states that African violets are non-toxic to curious cats, dogs, and horses. This knowledge ought to bring some solace to the worried parents of intrepid cats who enjoy the taste of this attractive houseplant.
Do people eat violets?
Foragers who are just starting out should only gather violet blossoms. The leaves are edible, but if you are inexperienced with violets and their lookalikes, it is crucial to stay with the sure thing because the leaves are readily confused with other non-food plants. Violet flowers can be used as a salad garnish or to flavor syrup and vinegar. While you continue to gather enough of the appropriate quantity for an infused vinegar or syrup recipe, choose them fresh for salads or freeze them.
Foragers who are confident will discover that leaves taste fantastic when cooked and are excellent in salads and soups.
WARNING: It’s important to gather wild goods in a safe and legal manner. Never gather produce along highways or in other places where pesticides may be applied.
Before taking anything from the wild, make sure you have permission. On public lands, a variety of goods may be harvested, but many need a permit or a particular use; be sure you are aware of the regulations for the things you harvest. Respect private property at all times.
What are the uses of African violets?
Violet is used internally as a blood purifier, respiratory treatment, and lymphatic stimulant. It is cooling and moistening. It can be consumed for its medicinal benefits or consumed as a tea or syrup. Since it is safe to ingest big amounts, the precise dosage is not particularly necessary. Violet is generally safe for seniors, children, and those on medications because it is a mild dietary herb.
In Europe, the use of violet as a pulmonary treatment for a dry, hacking cough has a long history. Along with marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) and licorice roots, it is frequently advised for bronchitis and whooping cough (Glycyrrhiza glabra). Violet can also be utilized as a tonic for lymph nodes that are constantly swollen. It has a lengthy history of use in the treatment of cancer, just like many other herbs that have an effect on the lymphatic system.
Due to its high mucilage or soluble fiber content, violet leaves are beneficial in decreasing cholesterol (similar to oatmeal). Because it is a food source for good bacteria, soluble fiber aids in the restoration of healthy gut flora populations. The leaves are rich in rutin, a glycoside of the flavonoid quercetin, and vitamins A and C. Animal and in vitro research have demonstrated the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and blood-thinning properties of rutin. Numerous rutin-rich foods, like buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum), are consumed traditionally as a treatment for varicose and hemorrhoids.
Violet is applied topically for dry or chafed skin, abrasions, insect bites, eczema, varicose veins, and hemorrhoids as a poultice, compress, infused oil, and salve. It is calming, anti-inflammatory, and cooling. For recipes for calendula-infused oil, salve, and poultice, see my articles on the topical uses of calendula.
Safety & Contraindications: Internal usage should be avoided by people with the uncommon genetic condition G6PD (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency), as it can exacerbate hemolytic anemia.
P.S. If this isn’t enticing you to visit them, violets have hidden underground blossoms that never open to the sun but still set seed. Find out more about these underground “Plan B flowers here.
Before you remove this edible and medicinal wildflower from your garden—even if you didn’t plant it there—take a second to consider its potential value.
We encourage you to look into our online foraging course and herbal immersion program if you’re interested in learning more about foraging, wild edibles, and medicinal plants.
Are raw violets a food?
My mother used to eat “Piss-a-beds in the spring” (Viola rafinesquii), which was how I first saw violets. raff-a-NESK-kee-eye VYE-oh-lah.) They were a diuretic and grew in the shadow next to the offensive cellar drain.
Despite the fact that they are in Florida For a long time, I did not see any violets. Furthermore, they exhibit a lot of diversity, making it challenging to correctly identify them. I believe Viola sororia/affinis is shown here. (aff-EYE-niss / VYE-oh-lah-ROR-ee-uh.) Violets, on the other hand, are similar to oak and pine trees in that you don’t really need to know which specific species it is as long as you have the correct genus. (And just to be certain, we are not referring to African Violets, which are in a whole other genus.)
Violet leaf can be cooked like spinach or used raw in salads. Their dried leaves can be used to brew tea, and their blooms can be eaten raw or candied. Violets can be used as a thickening in soups as well. In actuality, that was the most typical reference for them in the 1800s. In warmer climates, they can bloom in the spring and late fall, as opposed to the customary springtime. From Christmas until Valentine’s Day, they are cheerful and in bloom in Central Florida’s winter.
About 17 different violet species were used medicinally in diverse ways by Native Americans. Surprisingly, there are only three western tribes that have been documented as eating violets. However, they did employ violets as a poultice for boils and headaches and as an infusion for dysentery, bladder difficulties, heart pain, colds, and coughs (they are high in vitamins A and C.) Application studies revealed they were also used for skin issues in 1995.
However, violet roots are not very user-friendly. They are able to purge you. The Native Americans used corn seeds to soak them as a pesticide before planting. Violets have, in fact, historically been linked to chemistry. The violet test for acids and alkalis was used before there was a “litmus test. Of course, the perfume business had significant difficulties in recapturing the scent of violets.
It is true that the name “violet” is derived from Dead Latin. But that Dead Latin had Greek underneath it. Nowadays, Greeks use the terms violetta (derived from English) or menekseis. The word “violet” in English is derived from the Roman name for the plant, “viola, in Dead Latin. Vion, a Greek term that is a variant of Io, the lovely daughter of Inachus, King of Argos, however, is where the word viola originated. Io served as Hera’s priestess as well. Greek mythology claims that Zeus pursued Io relentlessly until finally succeeding in seducing her. His wife Hera was very upset about the seduction. Zeus changed Io into a white heifer as a means of defending her from Hera. (Isn’t it lovely when you’re young, attractive, and charmed by the most potent god around before being transformed into a cow.) Io, however, cried because she had to eat thorny grass when she was a heifer. Zeus turned her tears into delicate, sweet-smelling violets for her to consume as payment for her suffering. Hera, however, was not without means, and she employed one to make the earth-wandering Io/heifer constantly plagued by a gadfly.
Despite the mythology, violets have a long history. Around 400 BC, or around the period of Socrates, Hippocrates, and the construction of the Acropolis, violets were first grown in Greece. i-po-CRA-tis, a-CROP-po-li, so-CRA-tis They were the first commercial floral product, in actuality. The “violet-crowned city” was the nickname for Athens. To Horace’s annoyance, the Romans spent more time producing violets than olives because they preferred the flavor of violet in their wine (65-8 BC.) On Nero’s grave, violets that are symbolic of resurrection were covertly planted. And after Chopin passed away in Paris, his pupil Jane Stirling purchased every violet she could find there and arranged them on his grave. Visitors still leave violets at his gravesite today as part of that custom. [Note: Chopin’s heart was removed and is now in Warsaw; his body is in Paris.] Napoleon adopted the nom de plume Pere La Violette and was known as the Caporal Violette. He had a locket of violets from his wife Josephine’s grave on him when he passed away. They were not just Queen Victoria of England’s favorite flower, but also hers. Prior to the early 1900s, violets rather than roses were connected to St. Valentine’s Day. Valentine is said to have used the violet blossoms blooming next to his cell as a source of ink to send messages to his pals on violet leaves, which a dove then conveyed. He was put to death on February 14th, 269 AD.
There are about 850 species of violets, divided into two main groups: sweet and wood, and they are the state flower of Wisconsin, Rhode Island, Illinois, and New Jersey. Wood is less fragrant but larger than sweets, and sweet is powerfully perfumed. Florida is home to at least three native violet species: V. conspersa, V. sororia, and V. bicolor. Affinis, a synonym and occasionally a variant of sororia, means “similar to.” Conspersa is bicolor and two-toned, sprinkled, and sororia sisterly.
Nutritionally speaking, 100 grams of violets contain 15,000 to 20,000 IUs of vitamin A. Below are some recipes.
Are children safe to use African violets?
For advice around-the-clock, call the Poisons Information Line at (13 11 26) in cases of suspected poisoning.
Having said that, there are numerous indoor plants that are suitable for children and animals to be around. In the gallery below, we’ve compiled 10 of our favorites for you.
child-friendly indoor plants for your home
The plant known as jade (Crassula ovata) is safe for children but poisonous to pets. Both easy to harvest and easy to care for. Snap some off, place it in soil, and a new plant will emerge in a few weeks. You won’t need to water it very frequently because it enjoys warm, dry weather. Getty Images, the photo.
Safe for children and animals is the Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera). A common selection for houseplants is the Christmas Cactus. As a member of the cactus family, it won’t require much watering or care, but if you take good care of it, you’ll be rewarded with its lovely blooms at Christmas. Getty Images, the photo.
The common Parlour Palm (Chamaedorea elegans) is safe for both children and dogs. This slow-growing palm is ideal for interior use because it prefers dim lighting and doesn’t require a lot of water. Getty Images, the photo.
(Saint Paul) African Violet The African Violet is a well-liked selection for new gardeners because it is secure for children and pets. Its modest size and low maintenance requirements make it an attractive option for busy families and make it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Getty Images, the photo.
Ficus elastica, also known as the rubber plant, is poisonous to pets but harmless for children. Rubber plants are quite common among interior designers because of their glossy, waxy leaves, which can be seen in many contemporary homes. It enjoys the sun and requires some care, but if you take good care of it, you will be rewarded. Getty Images, the photo.
Sansevieria trifasciata, often known as mother-in-tongue law’s or snake plant Another hardy plant that is suitable for children but poisonous for pets should be placed with caution. For individuals with a less than green thumb, this plant is ideal. It basically doesn’t matter that you remember it; it will still survive. It’s well known for its ability to filter the air and has recently shot to fame. Getty Images, the photo.
The Spider Plant, or Chlorophytum comosum, is a robust plant that can withstand both children and pets without harm. Winning! Getty Images, the photo.
(Nephrolepis Exaltata) Boston Fern This hardy fern will undoubtedly be known to you. It adorns many homes and is safe for both children and pets. It’s ideal for the lonely corners of your home because it has the unusual criteria of wanting cool, humid regions with indirect sunshine. Getty Images, the photo.
Plectranthus Scutellarioides: Coleus This sturdy tiny plant is a terrific choice for kids to grow because it is secure for both kids and dogs. Put a Coleus cutting in water, and roots will soon appear so you can replant it. Getty Images, the photo.
Begonia (Begonia Obliqua): Begonias are experiencing a resurgence in popularity and are safe for both children and pets. They may have lived in your home when you were a child, and now is the perfect time for them to bring some color back into it. There are many types, but the ones with rhizomes and fibrous roots grow best inside. Getty Images, the photo.