The English Violet

One of the sweetest little meadow flowers in the world is the English violet. Also known as the common violet or garden violet it also has the Latin moniker of Viola odorata.  It has been designated a flower of merit by the U.K. Royal Horticultural Society.  The flower is often mentioned in the works of William Shakespeare.

This is a hardy little aromatic purple flower that exudes a gorgeous oil that is used to make perfume. The flower is also edible and used to make all kinds of confections including violet syrup.

The flowers tend to be a dark violet that is almost black although ones with white petals can be on the same plant stem.  The flowers and leaves all occur in a deep green basal rosette and the stems are covered with hairs that point to the ground.  Although they are usually tiny and only grow to six inches they have been known to spread two feet in diameter.

A very special English treat is the chocolate bon bon known as the English violet cream. These handmade chocolates are made by the traditional purveyors of chocolate known as Charbonnel et Walker. This company has been making this delicacy since 1875. This traditional English treat consists of fondant centers infused with violet oil encased in fine dark chocolate. The top of the chocolate is finished with fine purple candied violet petals.

There are several companies in England that make perfumes out of violets. One of the most famous is April Violets which is made by Yardley Perfume.  This traditional fragrance has been around for almost a century and mixes violet with jasmine, lily of the valley, vanilla and musk. A more contemporary perfume is Violetta by Penhaligon, which smells green and a bit powdery.

Many of the English violet farms are in Devon as is the case with the Devon Violet Nursery that specializes in growing the flower. Perfumes, soaps, bath salts, essential oil, candles, dried flower arrangement and incense are made out of the flowers grown there.  Dried violet petals are also sometimes mixed with rose or lavender and sold as pot-pours.

Violet syrup is also made from the petals and added to drinks and icings.  The petals are candied and used by many confectioners to decorate cakes. Tiny candied violets are also traditionally sold in unique small flat tins that are often decorated designs of violet flowers.