Redbud Blossom Simple Syrup: Foraged Floral Recipe

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Redbud blossoms are a beautiful and edible springtime treat. But you may not have thought of using them in your cooking or baking! So, in this post, we will explore how to make a delicious redbud blossom simple syrup. But happily using only fresh redbud flowers, sugar, and lemon juice. So, let’s get started!

Redbud simple syrup with a bowl full of lemons on a wooden cutting board with a flowering branch of redbud overhanging.

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This redbud syrup recipe is perfect for anyone looking to try a unique and delicate floral flavor. So, prepare to have your taste buds awakened!

Whether you are a seasoned forager or trying it for the first time doesn’t matter. As this recipe is a great way to enjoy the flavors of the wild in a different but really simple way.

This Redbud Blossom Simple Syrup is a uniquely delicious way to enjoy the vibrant redbud blossoms of the Eastern Redbud Trees (Cercis canadensis). You have come to the right place!

Supplies & Tools You May Need

Optionally, you could also purchase Lemon Juice. But fresh lemons always taste less tart and, honestly, better to me.

Foraging for Edible Blossoms: Redbud Flowers

This small deciduous tree is native to the United States and is a member of the pea family. In early spring, before the leaves appear, the tree produces clusters of delicate pink or red edible blossoms. They are not only beautiful to look at but also edible!

Native Americans have been using the redbud flowers for centuries in various ways. Some ways included Redbud tea as well as a medicinal herb.

A delicious way to preserve the foraged florals is to make a Redbud Blossom jelly. You can also use these lovely flowers to make delicious Redbud Blossom Simple Syrup. Which can then be used to flavor drinks, baked goods, and more!

Purple redbud blossoms filling an ironstone bowl.
Vintage skeleton key icon on a circle of grey.

To Forage:

A Redbud blossom is an edible flower that blooms in early spring. This is the best time to gather a bunch of flowers as they are still unopened buds. It is an easy tree to forage from as they are a relatively small tree.

Be sure to pick the blossoms at the top of each branch, as they tend to be the freshest. Also, avoid flowers that are wilting or have brown spots.

For more information on foraging for Redbud Blossoms check out my post Foraging for Redbud Flowers: A Wild Blossom Harvest.

Simple Syrup 101: Making Redbud Blossom Syrup

A floral syrup is a sweet and aromatic syrup made from edible flowers. It can be used as a natural sweetener in a variety of recipes, such as cocktails, teas, lemonades, and desserts.

Simply syrups only require a few ingredients and simple steps to follow, making it easy for beginners to get started. In fact, it’s so simple you can use these same concepts to make all kinds of simple syrups!

Closer up show of redbud blossom syrup in a swing top jar next to a bowl of lemons, over hanging is flower branch of redbud.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Redbud Blossom Simple Syrup

The syrup is made by first steeping the flowers in boiling water creating a tea. This allows the flavor and fragrance of the flowers to infuse into the syrup.

Step One – Brewing Redbud Blossom Tea

Making redbud blossom tea is a simple and delicious way to enjoy the delicate floral flavor of redbud flowers. It’s also the first step to making your own delicious Redbud blossom simple syrup.

Pouring boiling water over a jar halfway full of redbud blossoms.
Redbud Blossoms to steep in boiling water.

Steps to Make Redbud Blossom Tea:

  1. Gather about your fresh redbud flowers (unopened buds or just-opened flowers).
  2. Then rinse the flowers in cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel (optional).
  3. At this point, add them to a large glass jar with a lid.
  4. Then bring your water to a boil in a medium-sized pot.
  5. Remove the pot from the heat and pour over the redbud flowers.
  6. Steep the flowers in the hot water until it reaches room temperature.
  7. Depending on how strong you want the tea to be, let it steep for up to 24 hours in the fridge.
  8. Strain the tea through a fine strainer or cheesecloth.
  9. Add lemon juice to brighten the taste and the coloring (Optional).

You can also experiment with adding other flavors to your redbud blossom tea, such as honey or other herbs and spices. The tea has a delicate floral flavor with hints of sweet and sour notes, and it’s a great way to enjoy the flavors of spring.

Dull purple redbud tea before adding lemon juice to it.
Before adding lemon juice.
A bright pink fuschia redbud tea after adding in lemon juice.
After adding lemon juice.

For more information, in-depth directions, and a full recipe visit Redbud Blossom Tea: A Step-by-Step Guide to Brewing.

Step Two – Making Redbud Blossom Simple Syrup

I hope you’re ready for simply delicious syrup with a delicate floral flavor. Because you’re just a few minutes from it at this point.

Measuring my redbud tea while adding it to a stainless steel medium size saucepan.

Step One. Measure your redbud tea for exact measurements while you add your Redbud Tea to a medium saucepan.

Adding exact amounts of white sugar to the saucepan with Redbud tea for a 1:1 ratio. Glass measuring cup and stainless steel measuring spoon full of sugar.

Step Two. Then add equal parts of sugar into the same saucepan. Ensuring a precise 1:1 Sugar to water ratio.

Vintage Note icon with a quill and ink bottle.

Take Note: Your mixture will be cloudy while it heats up, this is how you know the sugar is not fully dissolved.

Cooking redbud tea into a redbud simple syrup in a stainless steel saucepan. The mixture is cloudy as the sugar hasn't fully dissolved yet.

Step Three. Turn the burner on to high heat. Stir continuously. The water will be cloudy as the sugar has not fully dissolved.

A rolling boil of Redbud blossom simple syrup, the water has cleared which means the sugar has fully dissolved.

Step Four. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil while continually stirring. Allow it to boil until the mixture becomes glossy and clarified. This is how you know the sugar is fully dissolved.

Vintage Note icon with a quill and ink bottle.

Step Five. If you like thicker syrup, you can drop the heat to medium and allow it to simmer. Or take it off the heat and let it cool.

Redbud simple syrup in a stainless steel pot cooling with a glass swing top bottle next to it.

Step Six. Once it has cooled add it to a glass canning jar or swing-top jar.

Note: Keep it refrigerated. Floral simple syrup will remain fresh for 1-2 weeks.

Creative Variations on Redbud Blossom Simple Syrup

Trying variations on floral syrups can add complexity and depth to the flavors of the syrup, making it more interesting and unique. It can also allow you to experiment with different flavor combinations and find new ways to use the syrup in your cooking or baking.

Additionally, incorporating other herbs and spices can provide added health benefits or complement the medicinal properties of the redbud blossoms.

variations

Here are some creative variations on Redbud Blossom Simple Syrup:

  • Lavender Redbud Blossom Syrup
  • Ginger Redbud Blossom Syrup
  • Lemon Verbena Redbud Blossom Syrup
  • Rose Redbud Blossom Syrup
  • Cardamom Redbud Blossom Syrup
  • Mint Redbud Blossom Syrup

Sugar

I used organic white sugar or cane sugar, but you can try replacing it with honey, agave, or even maple syrup for a healthier version.

These variations can be made by adding the chosen ingredient to the basic redbud blossom syrup recipe during the cooking process. The result is a unique and flavorful syrup that can be used in a variety of ways.

From Tree to Table: Using Your Redbud Simple Syrup

You can use the blossoms to create jelly, tea, or syrup. But let’s explore just how many delicious ways you can use this Redbud Blossom Simple Syrup.

ways to Use

Redbud Blossom Simple Syrup can be used in various ways, including:

  • Sweetening tea, coffee, or lemonade
  • Drizzling over pancakes or waffles
  • Mixing with cocktails or mocktails
  • Adding flavor to yogurt or oatmeal
  • Using as a topping for ice cream or sorbet
  • Incorporating into baked goods like cakes and muffins.

The Perfect Addition to Your Morning Beverage: Redbud Blossom Iced Tea

Redbud Blossom Iced Tea is a refreshing and flavorful beverage that’s perfect for warm weather.

The delicate floral flavor of redbud blossoms pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the simple syrup and the coolness of the ice. It’s a great way to add some variety to your morning routine and enjoy the taste of spring.

More Redbud Blossom Content to Binge!

Redbud tea is just the beginning of the amazing recipes you can create using the lovely Redbud blossoms. Let’s discuss this.

FAQ

Simple syrup with a 1:1 ratio of sugar to water will last up to 1 month in the refrigerator.

Rich simple syrup, made from a 2:1 ratio of sugar to water, will last about six months before becoming cloudy.

You can keep basic flavored simple syrups in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks.

Simple syrup can go bad if it develops mold, changes in color, or an off smell. It’s best to discard any syrup that shows signs of spoilage.

Redbud blossoms can be used to make tea, syrup, jelly, and even floral-based liqueurs. They can also be used as a garnish or edible decoration in dishes.

Redbud flowers are high in vitamin C and alpha-linolenic acid, which have anti-inflammatory properties. They have been used in traditional medicine to treat fevers, coughs, and other respiratory ailments.

Yes, redbud tree blossoms are edible and can be used to make tea, syrup, jelly, and other culinary creations.

Redbud blossoms have a delicate and slightly sweet floral taste with a hint of tartness.

Redbud flowers can be preserved by drying or freezing. Another way to preserve is to make into a jelly or simple syrup and use a water bath canning method.

Dandelion, violet, rose petal, elderflower, redbud flower jelly, and lavender jelly are some flower jellies that can be made from foraged flowers.

Redbud blossom simple syrup in a glass swing top jar. Behind it is a bowl of lemons on a wooden cutting board. And over top is hanging a flowery branch of Redbud Blossoms.

Redbud Blossom Simple Syrup Recipe

Yield: 32 oz.
Prep Time: 1 day
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Additional Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 1 day 10 minutes

A delightful and unique way to infuse a delicate floral flavor into your favorite beverages and recipes. The vibrant pink color and sweet, floral taste will add a pop of flavor to any dish.

Ingredients

  • 4 Cups of Redbud Tea
  • 4 Cups of Sugar

Instructions

  1. Add your 4 cups of Redbud tea into a medium saucepan.
  2. Then add your 4 cups of organic cane sugar.
  3. Turn your burner on high.
  4. Your mixture will be cloudy while it heats up, this is how you know the sugar is not fully dissolved.
  5. Stir continuously and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
  6. Allow it to boil until the mixture becomes glassy. This is how you know the sugar is fully dissolved.
  7. If you like thicker simple syrup, you can drop the heat to medium and allow it to simmer.
  8. Or take it off the heat and let it cool.
  9. Once it has cooled add it to a glass canning jar or swing-top jar.
  10. Keep it refrigerated.

REDBUD TEA

INGREDIENTS & SUPPLIES:

  • 4 Cups Redbud Blossoms
  • 2 Tablespoons of lemon juice
  • 4 Cups of Water (Boiling)
  • 64 oz Ball Jar & Lid or
  • Large Bowl
  • Fine Mesh Strainer, cheese cloth, or coffee filter

    • INSTRUCTIONS:

    1. Pour your Redbud blossoms into the 64 oz ball jar.
    2. Then pour the 4 cups of boiling water on top of them, and put a lid on the jar.
    3. Let them steep until they come to room temperature.
    4. Then let them steep additionally 24 hours in the refrigerator.
    5. When they're done steeping, strain them with a fine-mesh strainer or cheese cloth twice. Really squeeze out the juice.

    Notes

    Simple syrup (1:1 ratio of sugar to water) will only stay good for about a month.

    But rich simple syrup, made from a 2:1 ratio of sugar to water, will last about six months before becoming cloudy.

    Tools that are handy to have:

    • Medium Saucepan
    • Silicone Spatula
    • Measuring Cup
    • Funnel (for swing top jars)

    Nutrition Information:
    Yield: 32 Serving Size: 1 oz
    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 97Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 0mgCarbohydrates: 25gFiber: 0gSugar: 25gProtein: 0g
    © Julie Boston
    Cuisine: Simple Syrup / Category: Desserts

    In Conclusion

    In conclusion, Redbud blossom simple syrup is a delightful way to incorporate the delicate floral flavor of the redbud blossoms into a variety of dishes and beverages. It’s easy to make and versatile, with many variations to try.

    This syrup is sure to impress your taste buds and add a unique touch to your culinary creations. So why not give it a try and see what new flavors you can discover?

    Thanks so much for stopping by!

    Julie

    Author photo of a 38 year old woman with shoulder length dark brown hair, blue eyes, she's wearing a grey shirt with pockets.
    Contact Us | About Me

    Meet the Author

    Hi, I’m Julie! Mother to five beautiful kids, Homeschool Educator, Writer, Handicraft & DIY Enthusiast, Photographer, Thrifter, and Furniture Restorer. Follow along for fun DIY projects creating a handmade home on a budget! Read more about me here→

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