Lilac

Syringa vulgaris

flower

Small, very fragrant and slightly bitter flowers, candied in sugar or infused in a syrup.

Origin

Balkans

Where to find it

In gardens, hedges and around old farms; in the wild, it only grows on the rocky slopes of the Balkans, in Serbia, Romania and Bulgaria.

Season (United States)

April to May

Preparation

Only the small flowers are eaten, pulled from the cluster and any green parts, and in small amounts; raw, they are scattered over a dessert or fruit salad.

Did you know?

The lilacs of Western Europe descend from plants brought back from Constantinople in the 16th century.