Gorse Flowers

Living next to moorland means that not a day goes by that I don't spot this plant, either from my car window on the way to work or any walk that I go on, as it seems to also love coastal paths. 

I can't say I'm unhappy about it either, the bright yellow flowers illuminate the most baron landscapes. Not only visually beautiful, but it is said to have mind anti depressant qualities too. 

Other medicinal uses of the plant include it's purgative effect, treatment for scarlet fever, jaundice, spleen problems and kidney stones. 

It's uses include a yellow dye from the bark and flowers, flavourings for beer, whisky, wine and tea as well as soaking the seeds before application as a flea repellent. 

Gorse is the herb of love and protection as well as being included in many anglo-saxon legends.

On top of all of this, once species or another of Gorse is in flower at all times of the year and as the old saying goes, "When gorse is out of blossom, kissing's out of fashion"

Ulex europaeus

I haven't yet cooked with these brilliant yellow flowers, but raw they have a mild coconut/almond flavour and generally used in deserts such as rice pudding or the flavouring extracted for a cordial.