minime
Roda Probationer
Posts: 29
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Post by minime on Mar 15, 2009 9:31:55 GMT 2
Hi,
I've just found the magazine and while glancing through found a recipe for myrtle liquer.
With this one article you have answered two of my little problems. I have many but that's for another day..........
One - what was that bush growing abundantly along the road side. It was vaguely familiar and at first I thought it was blueberries. But you have saved me going to the garden shop with a branch to ask what it was ;D.
And secondly you have solved my problem of what to give as presents which was different and wouldn't cost too much. I can now pick the berries and make some home made liquer.
Thanks ;D
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Post by artisans on Mar 15, 2009 10:09:02 GMT 2
It is a fantastic plant, minime, and yes, it is the one you find all over the headland west of the village and elswhere around the lanes. The berries are small like blueberries and soon, the plant will be a spectacular show of frizzy white flowers. It seems that you can also dry the leaves and the berries for use in the kitchen although we haven't tried it yet. There are still a few berries left from last year if you are quick, but they are not so juicy now. In France & Italy, you can buy 85% proof 'fruit alcohol' in most supermarkets which you water down to the appropriate strength, unfortunately here, it is banned by the 'chemical police' - honestly! If you look around some of the supermarkets you can buy cheap nondescript 38% spirit - Salvanos and Diellas are two places to try. If all else fails use vodka or maybe gin. Like sloes, myrtles are very astringent, they dry your mouth out if you bite them, so the amount of sugar is critical. I can't tell you what I did, because I guessed. Less is perhaps best, because you can always sweeten the liqueur later. Another little opportunity is to do the same with 'kydonia' - quinces - which fall from the trees later in the year. Good luck!
Steve
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minime
Roda Probationer
Posts: 29
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Post by minime on Mar 16, 2009 9:11:16 GMT 2
Hi, Thanks for that tip. I have some vodka and one of the bushes in my garden so I think I will experiment for now and wait for the next harvest. Any other tips on what we can "pick" for free along the hedgerows. I looked at the blackberries last year but they were a bit "uck"
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Post by artisans on Mar 16, 2009 11:45:33 GMT 2
You're right, minime, the blackberries generally were a bit dodgy - I did find some good ones, I guess it depends on location. I once used the same process to make blackberry whisky - it was quite good. If you look around, you can sometimes find sloes (balotinia), but the main place I knew was cut back two years ago. The bushes are still there and they have about ten flowers on them at the moment. Now is the time to find them and then remember where they are for October. You could try making Arbutus Gin, perhaps - I made a tiny bottle once just to see. The Strawberry Tree is just starting to develop this year's fruits - they don't have much taste but the colour is lovely. What about the wild pears perhaps? If you would like, one day we could meet at Nemo for coffee. I bought a small book in France all about homemade liqueurs - everything from basil to nuts. Let me know.
Steve
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Post by artisans on Mar 17, 2009 21:17:48 GMT 2
Hi minime, there's another obvious liqueur - if you're quick - Kumquat. I know the bought one is a bit sweet on its own for some tastes - but at almost 40% proof, it'll knock your socks off! Slice the fruits and carry on as before - and, there's a bonus. The left-over fruit will keep in a sealed jar for months (wouldn't you if you were pickled in Vodka?) and makes the most wonderful, adults only, cheescake. We're making a vodka kumquat crumble this week - well, at the moment the car is off the road and I'm probably safe to push the wheelchair. Steve
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minime
Roda Probationer
Posts: 29
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Post by minime on Mar 18, 2009 8:14:15 GMT 2
Oooh yes that sounds nice. Especially with cream or even ice cream.
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Post by petra on Mar 18, 2009 13:14:43 GMT 2
I have a question Steve, as I am not much of a drinker..... About 20 !!! years ago (I think) I bought a little bottle of KoumQuat liqeur to take home as a souvenir. I still have the bottle, don´t think I even opened it. Do you think I can still drink it ?? Btw I love koumquat marmelade!!
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