Herbs & Botanicals

Product Description

Botanical Name: Tilia spp. (Various species within the Tilia genus)

Plant Family: Malvaceae (Mallow family)

Botanical Description:
Lime flowers, also known as linden flowers or tilia flowers, are the blossoms of trees belonging to the Tilia genus, which includes various species of linden or lime trees. These trees are native to the temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. The most common species used for their flowers include Tilia cordata (littleleaf linden), Tilia platyphyllos (largeleaf linden), and Tilia americana (American basswood). Lime trees are deciduous and can grow to be large, reaching heights of up to 20-40 meters. They have heart-shaped leaves with serrated edges and fragrant, yellowish-white flowers that hang in clusters from slender stalks. Lime flowers bloom in late spring to early summer, attracting bees and other pollinators with their sweet scent. After flowering, small nut-like fruits known as nutlets are produced.

Introduction:
Lime flowers have a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine and culinary practices. They are valued for their delicate fragrance and therapeutic properties, which have been recognised for centuries. Lime flowers have a pleasant, sweet taste and aroma, making them a popular ingredient in herbal teas, tinctures, and culinary preparations.

Preparations:
Tea: Prepare lime flower tea by steeping dried lime flowers in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Strain the infusion and drink it as a tea. Lime flower tea may be consumed warm or chilled and sweetened with honey if desired.
Tincture: Prepare a lime flower tincture by macerating dried lime flowers in alcohol (such as vodka or brandy) for several weeks. Strain the tincture and store it in a dark glass bottle. Take the tincture orally by diluting it in water or juice according to the dosage instructions provided on the product label or by a qualified herbalist.
Syrup: Prepare a lime flower syrup by simmering dried lime flowers with water and sugar to create a sweet, aromatic syrup. Lime flower syrup can be added to beverages, desserts, or used as a natural sweetener for herbal teas.
Culinary Use: Lime flowers can be used as a culinary ingredient to flavour and enhance the taste of various dishes and beverages. They may be added to herbal teas, desserts, jams, jellies, syrups, and baked goods for their delicate floral aroma and flavour.