Jams with a purpose

LaurieLovesLearning

Well, I was looking for information on Chyavanprash. It is a very complex and interesting mix of powerful herbs. Then, I happened across Gulkand (Rose Petal Jam). It makes sense to do these over our regular jam types. Jams with extra benefits. 😁

https://remedygrove.com/traditional/What-is-Chyawanprash-Health-Benefits-Ingredients-Side-Effects-and-How-to-Use-it

https://remedygrove.com/traditional/Gulkand-And-The-Benefits-Of-Gulkand

I have a question, though. Is Amla or Indian gooseberry the same as our gooseberries here? They sure look the same. Anyone have the scientific name for Amla? Well, what do you know, I found it! Amla/Indian gooseberry is "Emblica officinalis."

Torey

Thanks to the constant reclassification of families, genus and species with new DNA research, Emblica officinalis has been renamed as Phyllanthus emblica in the Phyllanthaceae family; used to be in the Euphorbiaceae family. Our gooseberries, Ribes species, wild or domestic, are in the Grossulariaceae family.

My mother was a big fan of making jellies that were sweet versions of herbal medicine. Black currant jelly was one of her favourites to melt in a cup of hot water and have as a tea for colds and flus.

Merin Porter

https://community.thegrownetwork.com/discussion/comment/852009#Comment_852009

I love this idea! I've never thought of elderberry jam, but I wonder if it could be used in a similar manner -- especially the part where you melt it in a cup of hot water as a "tea."

LaurieLovesLearning

@torey, Just how does a person keep up with that? Secondly, how do you trace it back to its original name to make sure you have the correct plant for your purposes? I have concerns that I will just get everything confused.

I didn't know that black currant could be used like that. If only the sparrows wouldn't clean off my bush (and poop on the few remaining berries.)

@Merin Porter I am sure that it could.

judsoncarroll4

A friend recently made poke berry jam - just a bit used to move lymph.

Torey

@Laurie It is very frustrating to have learned a whole set of Latin names only to have them changed out, sometimes two or three times, before they finally decide on the new genetic profile. When you add in all the different common names that plants are known by, it can get very tricky. I tend to mainly use plants that I can wild harvest or grow in my area. So they are easy to identify and get to know really well. I do use other herbal medicines sometimes but not usually ones that there may be any confusion over.

Gooseberries is a good example. There are at least 15 species of Ribes in the Pacific Northwest but only 4 that are gooseberries, the others are currants. There are many domestic species of Gooseberries, mostly green, but also some white, golden, red and purple species. Then there is Indian Gooseberry or Amla, Chinese Gooseberry (aka Kiwi, Actinidia species) and Cape Gooseberry (aka Golden berry, Physalis peruviana). Am I missing any? :)

I have several databases that I use. One of the best ones for identifying plants is E-flora BC which is maintained by UBC. https://ibis.geog.ubc.ca/biodiversity/eflora/ Unfortunately, they are having some difficulties right now and certain portions of the site are unavailable but it should be back up and running soon. Its too bad that all provinces and states didn't have a similar program. I know its not your area but there would be some similar plants (it lists native and non-native species). They are pretty good about keeping things up to date as far as Latin genus and family names. I also use a homeopathy database which is very up to date. Not a fan of wikipedia but they are good about redirecting you to a new page if you have typed in an older Lain name.

@judsoncarroll4 I would think that jam would would be a good way to take poke berries. I have never used them simply because they are so outside my growing area.

@Merin Porter I agree with Laurie about the elderberry jam or jelly.

LaurieLovesLearning

@torey Thanks for all of the information. I will be checking the site out and see what more I can identify this summer.

I checked out the provincial weed control's display at Brandon MB's Ag Days. We checked out all the weeds they had in pots & discussed (not with them, haha) what we recognized, what it was, & if it was edible/medicinal. We will do the same next year 🤣 and see how our knowledge has grown.

Torey

@Laurie I made friends with someone who worked for the Invasive Species Council of BC in our area. He was able to tell me where there were some of the invasives (St. John's Wort and Lemon Chamomile) that needed control with the understanding that I would keep the patch under control and not let it further expand into the environment and then they wouldn't have to spray any herbicides. While not everyone working for this type of organisation is as agreeable to work with, it is worth the conversation just to see if they can direct you to wild plants you may be looking for or at the very least, tell you where they are spraying so you can avoid harvesting in that area.

Have you checked out this site? http://www.naturemanitoba.ca/wild-plants-winnipeg Downloadable PDFs on s number of species.

LaurieLovesLearning

@torey I have a pretty good idea where this organization sprays. They spray the ditches by our place every second year as well (but supposedly won't where the ditches are fully mowed). We need to be up on that... Even so, most farmers' spray/spray drift covers the whole ditch area anyway. 😕 Our area is very spray happy and I am not sure that talking to any particular person would make much of a difference. I wouldn't be comfortable harvesting where they have sprayed in the past either.

I would be much more comfortable talking with local organic growers & asking them where they might have certain plants within their property. Most are pretty aware what they have & would most likely welcome the idea. I haven't asked any of them yet, but would like to.

I am curious about harvesting 2+ hours north & 4+ hours to the southeast where I understand certain things are growing, but don't know anyone in these areas...and distance would make it cost prohibitive.

I have checked out this site before for plant ID, but it has been a while, before I started exploring medicinal herbs. Thanks for reminding me about it. I will be bookmarking it.

Leslie Carl

@Laurie @Merin Porter besides herbal jams, here's another fun option; Herbal Gummy Bears! Here's a couple versions of elderberry gummies;

https://wellnessmama.com/4599/flu-busting-gummy-bears/

https://learningherbs.com/remedies-recipes/gummy-bear-recipe/

SherryA

I have taken Chyavanprash before on the advice of an Ayurvedic practitioner. It seemed so exotic that I never even thought about trying to make it. I wouldn't know where to get the gooseberries.

I wonder if I could use dried rose petals for the rose jam.

LaurieLovesLearning

@figsagee I don't know where a person would get many of those ingredients. I read it can be less expensive, but not when you have to shop it from who knows where! 🤔 Did you like the flavor? What would you compare it with?

The rose jam recipe says fresh only. Wild is preferred, but domestic can be used. Of course, clean...no sprays.

Obiora E

@Laurie Thank you for sharing. Some of the jams and jellies that I have made in the last three years can be found here:

https://www.gettingback2nature.farm/category/jams-jellies/

I will start making my next batch of Spring Flower Jelly possibly in March or early April. Last year it was Purple Deadnettle, Red buds, Dandelion flowers, and Violet blossoms. The year before it was just Dandelion flowers and Violet blossoms. This year I am not sure what it will be but only time will tell.

LaurieLovesLearning

@Obiora E This is great! You do these? I know better than to ask a business for recipes, even though I want to.

I wouldn't mind following suit. I used to make spice honeys & herbal honeys. I had figured out 75+ recipes. If we do bees, I want to do this again with my main focus being medicinal herbs. I think it would be a lot of fun!

Torey

@Obiora E Very cool! Congratulations on making a business out of this. I have some sumac growing near me (slightly out of its usual native range) and have been interested in doing something with it for a while. This might spur me on to making some jelly with it this year. I had never thought of making a goldenrod jelly. Must try that as well if I can find the time. Thank you!

Obiora E

@Laurie Thank you! Yes I do it all. I made my first jam about 4 years ago and it was a blackberry jam. With the jellies and also some jams, I make my own apple pectin. In general I make a strong tea with the herbs that I am using and typically it's done in a gallon batch but now that I have a larger stock pot (5+ gallon) I will increase the size of the batches.

Then I proceed with making the jelly after straining out the herbs. If you are interested in trying any of the jellies or jams please let me know.

Obiora E

@torey Thank you! You can also turn the Sumac into a spice (it's common in Middle Eastern cooking), make Sumacade/Sumac Lemonade, eat the berries, use it for natural dyeing, and if I remember correctly they have been traditionally used as medicine. Sumac berries are a good source of Vitamin C too.

Sounds cool. And you are welcome.

If you are interested in trying any of the jellies or jams please let me know.

LaurieLovesLearning

@Obiora E I am certainly interested. Private message me, please!

Gail H

@torey This seems a bit like your mother's idea of herb jam/tea. https://cleananddelicious.com/turmeric-ginger-honey-immunity-bomb/

I'm going to try to make a batch tomorrow.

SherryA

@Laurie The chavanprash was quite tasty. Mostly I tasted the spices, like cinnamon & such.

SherryA

@Obiora E The spring flower jelly sounds wonderful! It must be challenging to find just the right mix to make them yummy. We made lavender jelly one time, and it was heavenly.

LaurieLovesLearning

@Gail H I printed the recipe. Thanks!

Torey

@Gail H Thanks for posting the Turmeric-Ginger Honey Bomb! Looks like an excellent recipe.

Obiora E

@Laurie I sent you a message yesterday, did you get it?

Obiora E

@figsagee Thank you! The Spring Flower Jelly usually is good. No it's not a challenge. I treat it the same as other flavor profiles/combinations that I make and allow whatever combinations that come into my mind to be done. And for the most part, it's always good. And if not then I usually can figure out what else to add to balance the flavors. I guess too it helps being creative and having a mother who is famous in our family for creating food using combinations that so don't seem to mesh well (in our minds) but taste delicious!

LaurieLovesLearning

@Obiora E I did, and sent you a reply.

Merin Porter

https://community.thegrownetwork.com/discussion/comment/852045#Comment_852045

Thanks for this, @Leslie Carl ! :)