Sweet violet

Viola spp.

flower

Small mauve flowers with a sweet scent, fresh in salads or candied in sugar, a specialty of Toulouse.

Origin

Europe and the Mediterranean

Season (United States)

February to April

Preparation

The flowers are eaten raw, pulled from their stalks, over a salad or dessert, or crystallised in sugar; the young leaves are eaten too, raw or cooked.

Molecules

In small amounts, not counted Anthocyanins

Did you know?

Toulouse has grown it since the 19th century: it is made into candies, liqueurs and perfumes.