Loving the Lilacs

 Our property has 2 lilac bushes.  The dark purple flowered late April, and was planted by my Grandparents in 1959.  It's been cut down several times (once by my Mother and once by me) and always comes back with more and more blooms. 

Now the younger, more fragrant (if you can believe it) bush is blooming.  It was gifted to me from my friend Cheryl, who was a talented flower arranger, florist shoppe owner,  gardener and a missed friend.  She passed away several years ago.  It's because of her and that gifted bush that I continue to add heavily scented and or unusual flowers to this 'hidden garden' behind our garage.    I have been searching for ways to utilize these lovely scented flowers.  Did you know lilacs are edible?  Below with my projects you will also find some affiliate links for items I have used.  If you were to click through and purchase items from my link I would get a small percentage of your sale (no additional cost to you). 

First project is Lilac Extract

 

Just as you would do vanilla, I filled a 16 ounce brown bottle with the tiny white flowers and then added vodka.  Will shake it each day and hopefully will have some lilac scented extract for baking or adding to other delicious things that I can come up with. 

Lilac Oil

using fractionated coconut oil (I like Majestic Pure)and a milk bottle shaped glass with lid container which I PACKED with lilac blossoms, then covered with the oil.  Make sure that all flowers are packed below the oil.  After 3-4 days I will check to see if it is the scent I'm aiming for, if not I will add more blossoms and wait a few more days. and then put in the smaller 6 ounce bottles I have linked to keep and share.  Great as a moisturizer, and I will also use it to make sugar scrub. 

Lilac Astringent

Again I am using the darker bottles that I used for the extract. This will be for daily use, and I will enjoy it.  Making enough to gift to friends.   Based on other articles/blogs I have read, I went with the most recommended brand of witch hazel.  I think due to the fact it is scent free.  I packed each bottle I made with lilac blossoms, covered with witch hazel and will let infuse for 3-4 days.  I will leave some bottles as is, and other's I will strain out. 

Also going to try and make Lilac Infused Honey.  Have you ever made things with Lilac?