This is a favorite springtime dessert. The berries are fresh and plump, my sweet woodruff is blooming in a shady spot along with brunnera, hostas, Virginia bluebells (done for the season) and recently planted Korean Feather Reed Grass (not pictured). Perfect combination to brighten up a shady area.
Sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum) is a valuable herb in my shade garden. It’s lacy white flowers on top of whorls of leaves really add some character to this part of my garden. It is an excellent ground cover that spreads by runners so it can spread very quickly. I just spade edge it if needed to keep it under control. Or just put it in any area you want naturalized.
It can be used as an air freshener and it has medicinal uses too. I like to use it as an edible plant when added to this simple dessert or my May Wine. It is said to taste somewhat of vanilla.
Berries with Sweet Woodruff and Prosecco
- 2 cups strawberries, de-stemmed and cut in half if the pieces are large
- 1 cups raspberries
- 1 cup blueberries
- handful of sweet woodruff sprigs
- 1 bottle Prosecco, chilled – or use any Italian Sparkling Wine such as Asti Spumante
- large handful of sweet woodruff blossoms
Place the berries and sweet woodruff sprigs in a shallow bowl and cover with 2 cups of Prosecco. Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before serving and remove sweet woodruff sprigs. Toss gently with the sweet woodruff blossoms. Pour a splash of Prosecco in each dish before serving to give it a bit of fizz.
Recipe by cookingwithauntjuju.com
I am linking this light and boozy dessert to Fiesta Friday #121.
Beautiful! I love Prosecco and berries, so this is a perfect combo for me 🙂
Me too Sarah – thanks for spelling Prosecco right (I left out a “c”) but have corrected it. I love this plant especially with fresh fruit and a good Italian sweet wine 🙂
Great combination Judi and I want to plant some sweet woodruff in my garden. I need ground cover and the fact that it is an edible herb makes it even better.
Sweet woodruff would do well in your neck of the woods Suzanne. It’s a great ground cover – just needs a shady spot 🙂
What a pretty flower, and edible too! I wonder if sweet woodruff can grow where I live? I’ll have to research.
The flowers are very delicate and add such a nice floral touch. This is a zone 4-8 plant – not sure where you live now – you did mention you moved from Texas.
I am in the high desert of Central Oregon. We have very short growing season and cold spring months at night.
I live in zone 4-5 and it thrives. Sweet woodruff can do well in zones 3-8, just depends on so many factors. I’m not sure what zone you are in and that would be important to begin with. Cold and wet weather does not bother it.
I had to look up what zone I’m in, lol. I’m in 6b, so it appears it will grow here! Thank you!
A very interesting dish! I was wondering why you called it berries with prosecco! I’ve never used sweet woodruff – wish I could try it!
Thanks – it grows in zones 3-8 under the right conditions – mainly shade! It’s a pretty little herb with the most delicate flowers. As it dries it becomes more fragrant. May wine is where sweet woodruff is most often used.
What a lovely little way to end a meal. I’ve heard of sweet woodruff but I don’t believe I’d seen it before your photos…thanks for sharing them.
Thanks Karen – I make this every year (including the May wine). It’s a fun way to use this shade-loving herb 🙂
So pretty Judi! Those little flowers look great on your berries.
Thanks Julie – they provide my “white” in red, white and blue 🙂
This is just gorgeous!
Thanks Lynn – it really is a pretty herb, not just the flowers but the whorls of leaves.
I have some in my garden and it is so pretty!
Hi Judi! This is the first time I’ve heard of woodruff. The berries look so plump and juicy!
Hi Ai! I’m glad I introduced you to something new. I love this little herb and every spring it is kind of a ritual to make May wine and a simple dessert like this.
This sounds like a perfect brunch beverage, Judi. Thank you for sharing!
The sweet woodruff makes May wine sparkle and also with this boozy dessert!
This sounds so refreshing. I definitely need to try this. My husband and I went strawberry picking on Friday afternoon. 2 pints in 10 minutes!
Thanks so much Debbie – are you picking wild strawberries! If so you sure needed a lot to fill up a couple pints. I just love them 🙂
These come from a farm just down the road.
Beautiful garden you have there Aunt Juju. The flowers are so dainty and pretty.
Thanks Ana – just a small shady corner in one of my flower beds. I wish the flowers lasted longer…
Thanks for the education…I’ve never heard of sweet woodruff! Love prosecco, so I imagine I’d love this drink and it looks so refreshing!
Love it !
Sabrina 🍃🌼🌺
http://www.OrganicIsBeautiful.com