Gorse

Ulex europaeus

flower

Yellow flowers smelling of coconut and vanilla, in salads, syrup, wine or infused in cream.

Origin

Western Europe (Brittany, Ireland, Scotland)

Where to find it

It covers the heaths and cliffs of the Atlantic coast; the flowers are pinched off wearing gloves, safe from its thorns, once the sun has warmed their scent.

Season (United States)

February to May

Preparation

In moderation: its flowers contain a few alkaloids. Do not confuse them with brooms and laburnum, which have no spines and are toxic.

Did you know?

An English saying goes “when gorse is out of blossom, kissing's out of fashion”: it flowers almost all year round.