Early summer brings a noticeable shift in the hedgerows and gardens, with trees offering flowers, leaves and berries that have long been valued in traditional food and herbal practices.
Spring invites us to enjoy the tender shoots and delicate herbs emerging from the earth. By early summer, the landscape shifts. Trees come into their own, offering leaves, flowers and berries that have long been valued in traditional food and herbal practices.
One of the plants I look forward to each year is hawthorn.
For this year’s Summer Solstice celebrations, I’ve been making a warming yet refreshing tonic using dried hawthorn flowers, goji berries, ginger and rosemary, sweetened with jaggery.
It’s a beautiful combination that brings together traditions from different cultures while celebrating the abundance of the season.
Meet the ingredients
Hawthorn flowers
Known as the “heart tree” in European folklore, hawthorn has been used for centuries to support cardiovascular health and emotional wellbeing.
The flowers and leaves contain naturally occurring flavonoids and antioxidants that are traditionally associated with healthy circulation and heart function.
Hawthorn also carries a sense of connection and belonging. In many traditions, it marks the transition from spring into summer and reminds us of the importance of caring for our hearts – physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Goji berries
These bright red berries have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for generations.
Their naturally sweet flavour balances the floral notes of the hawthorn while adding antioxidants, vitamin C and compounds associated with vitality and healthy ageing.
Goji berries are often considered nourishing and restorative, making them a lovely addition to seasonal drinks.
Ginger
Fresh ginger brings warmth and energy to the infusion.
Traditionally used to support digestion and circulation, ginger helps balance the cooling qualities of the hawthorn flowers and goji berries.
Its gentle heat also makes this drink easier to digest, particularly if served chilled on a warm day.
Rosemary
Rosemary is one of my favourite herbs to forage and grow.
Its distinctive aroma is associated with memory, focus and clarity. Traditionally, rosemary has also been used to support circulation and digestion.
A small amount adds depth and complexity to the drink while complementing the floral and spicy notes.
Jaggery
Rather than refined sugar, I’ve chosen jaggery to sweeten this infusion.
Made from unrefined cane sugar, jaggery has a rich caramel flavour and retains some of the minerals lost during conventional sugar processing.
It adds warmth and depth without overpowering the other ingredients.
A drink for the season
Together, these ingredients create a tonic that feels perfectly suited to early summer.
The hawthorn and goji berries bring sweetness and nourishment, while the ginger and rosemary provide warmth, movement and clarity.
In Ayurvedic terms, summer is associated with heat and intensity. During this time, we benefit from foods and drinks that nourish without overwhelming the digestive system.
Served lightly chilled, this infusion offers a balance of floral, sweet and warming flavours that support both body and mind.
A note of caution
Although this drink is made from everyday ingredients, herbs can interact with medications.
Hawthorn may not be suitable for people taking certain heart or blood pressure medications. If you have an existing health condition or take prescribed medication, please seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional before consuming herbal preparations regularly.
As always, responsible foraging is essential. Only harvest plants that you can identify with confidence and leave plenty behind for wildlife and future growth.
What seasonal plants are you working with at the moment? I’d love to hear about the flavours and traditions that inspire your kitchen.
Happy foraging.
