Fumitory Water

There may be better blogs with prettier pictures, but who else is going to help you prepare your fumitory water?

Fumitory water is an herb-scented water analogous to rose water and orange flower water made from fumitory (it is a noun), the common name for fumaria officinalis, or פֿעלדרױך (feldroykh, or “field-smoke”) in Yiddish. I found my fumitory water at the Sunflower Market in Queens, and by now you know I just wasn't about to leave without it. Mr. Mizrahi suggested making a refreshing summer drink by mixing the fumitory water with honey, water, and ice, adding that this potation is “very good for the heart, blood, cholesterol, everything.” I have no doubt that it is.

The flavor is a tiny bit smoky, with notes of dates, figs, and prune, and something like gum Arabic or gum mastic. It is very different from anything I have tasted before. I might try this instead of rose or orange blossom water next time I make a syrupy dessert, just to see what happens.

Cooling Fumitory Water

In a tall glass, combine a teaspoon of mild honey with a tablespoon of fumitory water and a pinch of salt. You may use more or less honey, or leave it out altogether. Fill the glass with cool water and ice.

Kalyn will be rounding up other life-giving potions at this week's Weekend Herb Blogging.

Image from Flora von Deutschland Österreich und der Schweiz.1885, Gera, Germany, by Otto Wilhelm Thomé, reproduced from Kurt Stueber’s very swell biology bibliography.