Fresh lime tree: a natural ally with multiple uses

Harvest the linden tree for the use of its flowers and fresh leaves.

The sedative, calming, soothing and relaxing properties of lime blossom are well known and scientifically documented. It is primarily used to relieve stressed or anxious people.

If the infusion of dried lime blossom is the most common use to reap all its benefits, even in baking (once ground into powder, they give, like matcha tea, a nice green tint to your biscuits), fresh lime blossom is less commonly used. And yet… it does not lack originality in many contexts!

With lime blossom, you need to keep an eye on it, because the harvest, whether you intend to use the lime blossom fresh or to dry, takes place over a maximum of about ten days, especially during the first five days of flowering, after which the flowers become somewhat damaged, and gradually transform into small pale balls, the future seeds. Linden flowers are harvested at full bloom, which can be several weeks apart depending on the weather and region. It is mainly the flowers and leaves of Tilia platyphyllos (earlier flowering, in June, with large leaves) and of Tilia cordata (more in July) that are reputed to be beneficial for health. The flowers and leaves are in fact both edible. The sweet, honeyed fragrance fills the garden and signals harvest time. The bouquets of yellow pollen-bearing flowers are scented, but also the pale green bracts, which are attached just below. At harvest, take care to detach them both at the same time.

Linden in cooking

The very delicate aroma of the linden does not only grace cups and mugs at the end of the day (N.B.: dried linden keeps for a year; beyond that, its aroma is weaker and its virtues diminished). Here’s how to invite it to the table:

In salads

Young, tender, almost translucent leaves can be eaten in salads. Harvest the very tender leaves from early spring. Mix them with other shoots or mesclun from the veg patch, perhaps with a few edible flowers to add a splash of colour.

As a jelly made with linden flowers

By mixing the flowers and the bracts with special jam sugar or a gelling agent — because pectin is not present in the linden — with lemon and water, and bringing to a boil, you obtain a very original and delicate jelly that concentrates all the aromas of the linden into a melt-in-the-mouth texture on toast. It can also be used as a finishing glaze on fruit tarts, brushed on with a pastry brush for a glossy sheen and a professional finish. The most pastry-minded among us can also create ribbons of jelly for sophisticated desserts.

To flavour desserts

Less obviously considered, fresh flowers can also flavour certain desserts. Among the various easy culinary options using fresh linden flowers, you can easily flavour fruit salads.

Freshly picked and infused in cream or milk, linden flowers subtly tease the palate in ice creams, panna cotta, crème brûlée or mousses. They add a floral note where lemon verbena leaves provide a vegetal note. This type of dessert pairs very well with honey instead of sugar and orange blossom water!

To make refreshing drinks

Fresh linden flowers can also be transformed into syrups, lemonades or liqueur (by macerating the flowers and their bracts in brandy and sugar). You can also simply add them to a homemade syrup, for example in an elderflower syrup.

♥ A few recipes to whet your appetite…

Linden flower jelly recipe

A surprising dessert to feel like a chef: Creamy mandarin crumble with linden flower jelly.

A floral and original ice cream, the ice cream with linden flowers.

The mousse with linden flowers and raspberries and the pistachio panna cotta with candied apricots flavoured with linden showcasing the summer harvest.

Linden in cosmetics

In cosmetics, linden also has its place, given its many qualities. It would be a pity not to put to good use an abundance of linden leaves and flowers in homemade beauty care. It is mainly found commercially in shampoos, as it nourishes, brightens and gives hair a glossy shine. But at home, you will be able to discover other uses for it.

Linden water or linden hydrosol

Linden hydrosol, also called linden water, remains the most common use in the bathroom. This distillate from linden leaves acts as a very gentle toner for sensitive and dry skin. Soothing and refreshing, it brightens the complexion or, used as a hair lotion, revives the shine of dull hair.

The hydrosol or linden water is obtained by steam distillation from its flowers only.

→ Learn more about floral waters and hydrosol in our tutorial and How to Make a Plant-Based Lotion for Shiny Hair?

The Linden bath
For those with a bath in the bathroom, preparing an aromatic bath with a linden hydrosol gives this moment a heightened sense of calm. Simply pour in a few spoonfuls for a calming bath with absolute relaxation! Another option with fresh flowers is to simmer a large handful for 10–15 minutes in 0.5 litres of water, to also add to the bath water… Ideally do this in the evening, after a tiring workout to completely unwind. Pair the relaxing effect of fresh linden with a few handfuls of organic rolled oats, softening, gathered in a muslin sachet and tied to the bath tap that feeds the bath water!

You can also make at home a rinse vinegar infused with linden or a linden soap when you have a basic knowledge of soap-making.

Lime tree indoors

Beyond culinary and cosmetic uses, freshly picked linden flowers can be used to complete a potpourri of leaves, highly aromatic, or blend with other flowers or foliage in wardrobe sachets where it will dry naturally. Finally, if you know how to make your own candles, linden flowers are particularly well-suited to diffusing a soft, sweet and very relaxing fragrance in the home.