Are you ready to elevate your culinary game with a unique and tangy twist? Discover the delightful world of Sour Grass Syrup, made from the vibrant wood sorrel plant! This American recipe not only captures the essence of spring with its bright, lemony flavor, but it also offers a refreshing alternative to traditional syrups. Perfect for drizzling over desserts, mixing into cocktails, or adding a splash of creativity to your sparkling water, this syrup is sure to impress your friends and family. Dive into this easy-to-follow recipe and unlock the secrets to crafting your very own wood sorrel syrup that will leave everyone asking for more!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 cup
Ingredients
- 2 cups wood sorrel leaves
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Carefully wash the wood sorrel leaves under cool running water, gently removing any dirt or debris. Pat the leaves dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the washed wood sorrel leaves and water. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, allowing the leaves to steep and release their bright, lemony flavor.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the leaves simmer for about 15-20 minutes, occasionally pressing the leaves gently with the back of a spoon to extract maximum flavor.
- Remove the pan from heat and strain the liquid through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth, pressing the leaves to extract all the liquid. Discard the spent leaves.
- Return the strained liquid to the saucepan and add the sugar. Heat over medium-low, stirring continuously until the sugar completely dissolves.
- Add the lemon juice and continue to simmer the syrup, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a slightly thickened consistency, approximately 10-15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the syrup cool completely at room temperature. The syrup will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Once cooled, transfer the syrup to a clean glass jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Use the wood sorrel syrup in cocktails, as a drizzle over desserts, in salad dressings, or as a unique flavoring for sparkling water.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Leaves: When selecting wood sorrel, look for bright green leaves that are tender and free from blemishes. Fresh leaves will yield the best flavor for your syrup.
- Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar based on your personal taste preference. You can also experiment with alternative sweeteners like honey or agave syrup for a different flavor profile.
- Strain Well: Make sure to strain the syrup thoroughly to ensure a smooth texture. Pressing the leaves with the back of a spoon will help extract every drop of that delicious flavor.
- Storage Tips: Store your syrup in a clean glass jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid. It can last up to two weeks in the refrigerator, but you can also freeze it in ice cube trays for longer storage.
- Versatile Uses: Don’t limit yourself! Use the syrup in a variety of ways—try it in salad dressings, drizzled over pancakes, or as a unique addition to marinades.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 60kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 0g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
