• Twitter - Black Circle
  • Facebook - Black Circle
  • Pinterest - Black Circle

Herbal Musings

Tools for Natural Living

Grow with us...

Join Our Newsletter

Elegant Lady: Queen Anne’s Lace


Queen Anne’s lace (Daucus carota) is a member of the Apiaceae (formerly Umbelliferae) family, which includes celery, angelica, dill, parsley, carrot and many other flowering plants known for their umbrella-like flowerheads and feathery foliage. It is known as Queen Anne’s lace primarily in North America and by several other common names elsewhere, such as bird's nest, bishop's lace and wild carrot. Its royal moniker reputedly arose when the 18th century monarch, Queen Anne of England, pricked her finger and spilled a drop of blood onto the white lace she was darning, representing the tiny, solo reddish-purple flower visible at the center of the umbrel.

A rugged wayside “weed” and meadow plant, Queen Anne’s lace is a beneficial companion plant to many crops because it attracts pollinators and it is often cultivated for this purpose. The ancient Romans prepared the plant as a vegetable and Native Americans and early European settlers boiled the flowers to make a cream-colored dye and the taproots to make a sweet syrup, which they sometimes incorporated into cordials and wines and later into puddings and jellies. The roots taste a bit like carrots (but are very fibrous) and contain nearly as much sugar as sugar beets.

First year plants are recommended for culinary purposes. The flowers may be made into tea or tossed into soups and salads. They can also be fried whole like dandelion fritters. The leaves are chopped and added to salad greens and the seeds are added to simmering soups and stews. Be aware, however, that the seeds have historically been used as a contraceptive and abortifacient, so avoid the plant if you are pregnant nursing, or trying to get pregnant.

Care must be taken when foraging Queen Anne’s lace from the wild. The plant closely resembles its toxic cousin, poison hemlock, and grows in a similar habitat. The rule of thumb to making a positive identification is to remember this phrase: The Queen has hairy legs. Queen Anne’s lace has solid, hairy stems that are green in color, while hemlocks have hollow, smooth stems that sport purple specks. Another distinguishing characteristic of Queen Anne’s lace is that when the flowerheads go to seed they curl up like an umbrella closing, giving it the appearance of a miniature bird’s nest.

Queen Anne’s Lace Jelly

Ingredients

4 cups filtered water

2 cups Queen Anne’s lace flowers

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 package powdered pectin

3 1/2 cups, plus 2 tablespoons, organic sugar

Directions

Using a heavy saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Remove from heat and add the flower to the pan (you will probably need to push them under the water with a wooden spoon). Cover and let steep 30-45 minutes. Strain; reserving the liquid in a second saucepan (compost the flowers). Add the lemon juice and pectin. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Add the sugar and continue to cook, while stirring, until mixture comes to a rolling boil again. Keep boiling, while stirring constantly, for another minute. Remove from heat. Let cool slightly and skim off any foam. Pour into sterilized jelly jars leaving 1/4” head space; lightly screw down the lids. Process in a hot water bath for 5 minutes. Let the jars rest on a counter or table undisturbed for 8 hours or overnight before storing.

Featured Posts
Elegant Lady: Queen Anne’s Lace

Elegant Lady: Queen Anne’s Lace

Study: Matcha Tea Eases Anxiety

Study: Matcha Tea Eases Anxiety

Lutein Improves Memory

Lutein Improves Memory

Effects of Spirulina on Metabolic Syndrome Conditions

Effects of Spirulina on Metabolic Syndrome Conditions

Chamomile May Help Women with PCOS

Chamomile May Help Women with PCOS

Ginkgo Biloba Seeds Fight Skin Infections

Ginkgo Biloba Seeds Fight Skin Infections

Aconite Compound May Relieve Neuropathic Pain

Aconite Compound May Relieve Neuropathic Pain

Herbed Veggie Fries

Herbed Veggie Fries

Lavender Panna Cotta

Lavender Panna Cotta

Black Seed Dissolves Kidney Stones

Black Seed Dissolves Kidney Stones

{"items":["5f624999fe3cf80018fc46b3","5f624999fe3cf80018fc46b2","5f624999fe3cf80018fc46b1","5f624999fe3cf80018fc46af","5f624999fe3cf80018fc46ae","5f624999fe3cf80018fc46ad","5f624999fe3cf80018fc46ac","5f624999fe3cf80018fc46ab","5f6249995926a4001764ae79","5f6249995926a4001764ae78"],"styles":{"galleryType":"Strips","groupSize":1,"showArrows":true,"cubeImages":true,"cubeType":"fill","cubeRatio":"100%/100%","isVertical":false,"gallerySize":30,"collageDensity":0.8,"groupTypes":"1","oneRow":true,"imageMargin":0,"galleryMargin":0,"scatter":0,"rotatingScatter":"","chooseBestGroup":true,"smartCrop":false,"hasThumbnails":false,"enableScroll":true,"isGrid":false,"isSlider":false,"isColumns":false,"isSlideshow":true,"cropOnlyFill":false,"fixedColumns":1,"enableInfiniteScroll":true,"isRTL":false,"minItemSize":120,"rotatingGroupTypes":"","rotatingCropRatios":"","columnWidths":"","gallerySliderImageRatio":1.7777777777777777,"numberOfImagesPerRow":3,"numberOfImagesPerCol":1,"groupsPerStrip":0,"borderRadius":0,"boxShadow":0,"gridStyle":0,"mobilePanorama":false,"placeGroupsLtr":false,"viewMode":"preview","thumbnailSpacings":4,"galleryThumbnailsAlignment":"bottom","isMasonry":false,"isAutoSlideshow":true,"slideshowLoop":false,"autoSlideshowInterval":3,"bottomInfoHeight":0,"titlePlacement":"SHOW_ON_HOVER","galleryTextAlign":"center","scrollSnap":true,"itemClick":"nothing","fullscreen":true,"videoPlay":"hover","scrollAnimation":"NO_EFFECT","slideAnimation":"SCROLL","scrollDirection":1,"scrollDuration":400,"overlayAnimation":"FADE_IN","arrowsPosition":0,"arrowsSize":18,"watermarkOpacity":40,"watermarkSize":40,"useWatermark":true,"watermarkDock":{"top":"auto","left":"auto","right":0,"bottom":0,"transform":"translate3d(0,0,0)"},"loadMoreAmount":"all","defaultShowInfoExpand":1,"allowLinkExpand":true,"expandInfoPosition":0,"allowFullscreenExpand":true,"fullscreenLoop":false,"galleryAlignExpand":"left","addToCartBorderWidth":1,"addToCartButtonText":"","slideshowInfoSize":160,"playButtonForAutoSlideShow":false,"allowSlideshowCounter":false,"hoveringBehaviour":"NEVER_SHOW","thumbnailSize":120,"magicLayoutSeed":1,"imageHoverAnimation":"NO_EFFECT","imagePlacementAnimation":"NO_EFFECT","calculateTextBoxWidthMode":"PERCENT","textBoxHeight":0,"textBoxWidth":200,"textBoxWidthPercent":50,"textImageSpace":10,"textBoxBorderRadius":0,"textBoxBorderWidth":0,"loadMoreButtonText":"","loadMoreButtonBorderWidth":1,"loadMoreButtonBorderRadius":0,"imageInfoType":"ATTACHED_BACKGROUND","itemBorderWidth":0,"itemBorderRadius":0,"itemEnableShadow":false,"itemShadowBlur":20,"itemShadowDirection":135,"itemShadowSize":10,"imageLoadingMode":"BLUR","expandAnimation":"NO_EFFECT","imageQuality":90,"usmToggle":false,"usm_a":0,"usm_r":0,"usm_t":0,"videoSound":false,"videoSpeed":"1","videoLoop":true,"jsonStyleParams":"","gallerySizeType":"px","gallerySizePx":210,"allowTitle":true,"allowContextMenu":true,"textsHorizontalPadding":-30,"showVideoPlayButton":true,"galleryLayout":5,"arrowsColor":"rgba(255,251,251,1)","targetItemSize":210,"selectedLayout":"5|bottom|1|fill|false|1|true","layoutsVersion":2,"selectedLayoutV2":5,"isSlideshowFont":true,"externalInfoHeight":0,"externalInfoWidth":0},"container":{"width":210,"height":279,"galleryWidth":210,"galleryHeight":118,"scrollBase":0}}
Recent Posts
Pycnogenol Eases Fibromyalgia Symptoms

Pycnogenol Eases Fibromyalgia Symptoms

Chinese Herb Combination Kills COVID

Chinese Herb Combination Kills COVID

Put Insomnia to Bed with Valerian Root

Put Insomnia to Bed with Valerian Root

Plant Compounds Inhibit Key SARS-CoV-2 Enzyme

Plant Compounds Inhibit Key SARS-CoV-2 Enzyme

Pain Relief from Cannabis Flavonoids

Pain Relief from Cannabis Flavonoids

Fig Hormone Improves Blood Sugar Levels

Fig Hormone Improves Blood Sugar Levels

Does Your Olive Oil Help to Fight Cancer?

Does Your Olive Oil Help to Fight Cancer?

Cilantro May Help to Prevent Seizures

Cilantro May Help to Prevent Seizures

DIY Salt Spray for "Beach" Hair

DIY Salt Spray for "Beach" Hair

Top Herbs for Natural Pain Relief

Top Herbs for Natural Pain Relief

{"items":["605a52d1e7bf0e004159f227","605a470146ebe20015d70bac","600878ba6bcfda0017b03121","600740bf90411a0017a316f5","5f62499db25622001752e5c3","5f62499db25622001752e5c2","5f62499db25622001752e5c1","5f62499db25622001752e5c0","5f62499db25622001752e5bf","5f62499db25622001752e5be"],"styles":{"galleryType":"Columns","groupSize":1,"showArrows":true,"cubeImages":true,"cubeType":"max","cubeRatio":1.7777777777777777,"isVertical":true,"gallerySize":30,"collageAmount":0,"collageDensity":0,"groupTypes":"1","oneRow":false,"imageMargin":0,"galleryMargin":0,"scatter":0,"rotatingScatter":"","chooseBestGroup":true,"smartCrop":false,"hasThumbnails":false,"enableScroll":true,"isGrid":true,"isSlider":false,"isColumns":false,"isSlideshow":false,"cropOnlyFill":false,"fixedColumns":0,"enableInfiniteScroll":true,"isRTL":false,"minItemSize":50,"rotatingGroupTypes":"","rotatingCropRatios":"","columnWidths":"","gallerySliderImageRatio":1.7777777777777777,"numberOfImagesPerRow":3,"numberOfImagesPerCol":1,"groupsPerStrip":0,"borderRadius":0,"boxShadow":0,"gridStyle":0,"mobilePanorama":false,"placeGroupsLtr":true,"viewMode":"preview","thumbnailSpacings":4,"galleryThumbnailsAlignment":"bottom","isMasonry":false,"isAutoSlideshow":false,"slideshowLoop":false,"autoSlideshowInterval":4,"bottomInfoHeight":0,"titlePlacement":["SHOW_ON_THE_RIGHT","SHOW_BELOW"],"galleryTextAlign":"center","scrollSnap":false,"itemClick":"nothing","fullscreen":true,"videoPlay":"hover","scrollAnimation":"NO_EFFECT","slideAnimation":"SCROLL","scrollDirection":0,"scrollDuration":400,"overlayAnimation":"FADE_IN","arrowsPosition":0,"arrowsSize":23,"watermarkOpacity":40,"watermarkSize":40,"useWatermark":true,"watermarkDock":{"top":"auto","left":"auto","right":0,"bottom":0,"transform":"translate3d(0,0,0)"},"loadMoreAmount":"all","defaultShowInfoExpand":1,"allowLinkExpand":true,"expandInfoPosition":0,"allowFullscreenExpand":true,"fullscreenLoop":false,"galleryAlignExpand":"left","addToCartBorderWidth":1,"addToCartButtonText":"","slideshowInfoSize":200,"playButtonForAutoSlideShow":false,"allowSlideshowCounter":false,"hoveringBehaviour":"NEVER_SHOW","thumbnailSize":120,"magicLayoutSeed":1,"imageHoverAnimation":"NO_EFFECT","imagePlacementAnimation":"NO_EFFECT","calculateTextBoxWidthMode":"PERCENT","textBoxHeight":26,"textBoxWidth":200,"textBoxWidthPercent":75,"textImageSpace":10,"textBoxBorderRadius":0,"textBoxBorderWidth":0,"loadMoreButtonText":"","loadMoreButtonBorderWidth":1,"loadMoreButtonBorderRadius":0,"imageInfoType":"ATTACHED_BACKGROUND","itemBorderWidth":0,"itemBorderRadius":0,"itemEnableShadow":false,"itemShadowBlur":20,"itemShadowDirection":135,"itemShadowSize":10,"imageLoadingMode":"BLUR","expandAnimation":"NO_EFFECT","imageQuality":90,"usmToggle":false,"usm_a":0,"usm_r":0,"usm_t":0,"videoSound":false,"videoSpeed":"1","videoLoop":true,"jsonStyleParams":"","gallerySizeType":"px","gallerySizePx":1000,"allowTitle":true,"allowContextMenu":true,"textsHorizontalPadding":-30,"itemBorderColor":{"themeName":"color_12","value":"rgba(84,84,84,0)"},"showVideoPlayButton":true,"galleryLayout":2,"calculateTextBoxHeightMode":"MANUAL","targetItemSize":1000,"selectedLayout":"2|bottom|1|max|true|0|true","layoutsVersion":2,"selectedLayoutV2":2,"isSlideshowFont":true,"externalInfoHeight":26,"externalInfoWidth":0.75},"container":{"width":220,"galleryWidth":220,"galleryHeight":0,"scrollBase":0,"height":null}}
Archive
  • March 2021 (2) 2 posts
  • January 2021 (2) 2 posts
  • September 2019 (4) 4 posts
  • August 2019 (5) 5 posts
  • June 2019 (2) 2 posts
  • May 2019 (4) 4 posts
  • April 2019 (2) 2 posts
  • March 2019 (4) 4 posts
  • February 2019 (3) 3 posts
  • January 2019 (7) 7 posts
  • December 2018 (9) 9 posts
  • November 2018 (2) 2 posts
  • September 2018 (6) 6 posts
  • August 2018 (2) 2 posts
  • July 2018 (2) 2 posts
  • June 2018 (5) 5 posts
  • May 2018 (2) 2 posts
  • April 2018 (4) 4 posts
  • February 2016 (3) 3 posts
  • December 2015 (1) 1 post
  • November 2015 (1) 1 post
  • October 2015 (4) 4 posts
  • August 2015 (12) 12 posts
  • July 2015 (15) 15 posts
  • June 2015 (19) 19 posts
  • May 2015 (17) 17 posts
  • April 2015 (12) 12 posts
  • March 2015 (13) 13 posts
  • February 2015 (15) 15 posts
  • January 2015 (1) 1 post
  • December 2014 (6) 6 posts
  • November 2014 (10) 10 posts
  • October 2014 (6) 6 posts
  • September 2014 (2) 2 posts
  • August 2014 (16) 16 posts
  • July 2014 (20) 20 posts
  • June 2014 (6) 6 posts
  • HOME

  • NATURAL BODY

  • NATURAL HOME

  • FOR YOUR SPIRIT

  • LIBRARY

  • BLOG

  • More

    © 2021 Herbal Muse Press. All rights reserved.