Lilac, this sweet fleeting flower, announcing spring loudly, and reminding us how quickly summer is coming, has always symbolized romance through out history. The best way of preserving the scent is through lilac sugar! It’s so easy to make and you can use it to sweeten tea, cakes, cookies, and whatever else you can think of! So how do you make lilac sugar… let’s find out!
A Little Bit of History...
Lilac, the state flower of where I grew up, was chosen because it symbolizes the hardy character of the men and women that lived in the granite state. I’ll never forget running through the forest in New Hampshire and stumbling upon homes with purple clumps of fragrant flowers growing around the door. It was too idyllic!
The purple lilac specifically symbolizes new and romantic love. According to Greek mythology, Pan, the god of the forest falls in love with a nymph named Syringa (lilac’s botanical name) and chases her around the forest, until she escapes him and turns herself into the most aromatic flower- lilac!
A Little Bit More Fun Lilac History..
Did you know there is a lilac festival in Spokane, Washing, that started in 1938? A lilac queen was crowned, and there was a parade with lavish floats to follow. It’s clear that many people adore this purple flower!
But let’s get back to this simple recipe. Lilac sugar is pretty easy to make. What’s difficult, maybe, is finding this sweet little flower with no pesticides sprayed on it (aka- don’t bake with flowers you buy from the grocery store) Make friends with everyone at the farmer’s market, they will show you the way! Once you know how to make lilac sugar, you can make my lilac orange sugar cookies too for an afternoon treat!
How to Make Lilac Sugar
The best way of preserving the fragrance of spring, is by making lilac sugar! It’s so easy to make and you can use it to sweeten tea, cakes, cookies, and whatever else you can think of!
- Prep Time5 min
- Ready in1 week
For the burger
- 3/4 cup fresh lilac flowers
- 1/5 cups sugar
Preparing the spices
Shake off any bugs first of all. Make sure there are no stems in the the 3/4 cup of lilac flowers
In a clean mason jar, layer the flower petals and sugar. Screw on top, with a piece of wax paper between the lid
Store in a dark place and shake every day for a week
Strain out the flowers, or you can either blend it in the food processor. I like little bits of the purple in the jar.
Keep in a jar to sprinkle on top of cookies, fruit, cake, etc whatever you can dream of! The flowers also make lovely garnishes on cakes!
