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Coltsfoot Flower Wine

Coltsfoot wine (sweet)

Coltsfoot grow abundantly in the British Isles, but the flowers are not always easy to find in any quantity unless you have previously earmarked the plant's location. It is typically found in waysides, on railway embankments, and in waste areas, the bright yellow flowers appearing from March onwards, well ahead of the heart-shaped leaves. This is related to the old country name for the plant, which was 'son before father.' Those who do not live in the countryside can obtain dried flowers from a herbalist; one small packet will yield one gallon.

1. Dissolve the sugar in the water and bring it to a boil.
2. Simmer for five minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.
3. Peel the oranges and lemons thinly, and put the rind into a bowl or stone jar with the juice, tanning and the flowers (just the heads).
4. Pour over the cold syrup, and stir.
5. Add the yeast mixed with a little of the luke warm liquid and leave to ferment for seven days in a warm, well-covered place.
6. Stir daily,
7. strain into a fermenting jar, cover,  or insert an airlock.
8. When fermentation ceases, add one crushed Camden tablet,
9. siphon off and bottle