Story: Garden beverages
Episode: 6
Presenter: Trevor Cochrane & Lydia Pethick
Air Date: 22nd April 2023

Join Trev and Lydia as they go through all the great benefits from growing fresh in the garden, and picking some gorgeous ingredients to make delicious beverages!

• #1 Elderflower syrup - When my elderflowers were in bloom, I made a syrup with them and have frozen the syrup for ongoing use. I recently created lychee – elderflower mocktails for friends. With the addition of sparkling water, lychees and mint, we create this beautiful drink.Besides cocktails and mocktails, the elderflower syrup is also amazing over sponge in a trifle, set in jellies and in fruit salads

• #2 Lemon Verbena - Another amazing plant that I enjoy using in home grown teas is lemon verbena. It grows easily in pots and loves a sunny spot. Lemon verbena leaves can be used fresh or dried in teas. It has an uplifting, lemony aroma. It is reputed to help calm the mind, relax the body and uplift our mood. Lemon verbena is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Commonly consumed to support digestion and makes a perfect after-dinner tea

• #3 Blue butterfly pea - We’ve saved the most spectacular for last. Native to south east asia, the bright blue petals from the flower of the butterfly pea plant have been used as an ingredient in herbal teas and in cooking. When steeped in warm or hot water, the flower imparts its beautiful blue colour, making it a natural colouring for dishes and drinks. Look what happens when we add citrus to it (turns purple) or when we add hibiscus leaves/petals (turns red). Chase away any blues with this magical colour-changing drink and its stress relieving anti-oxidant properties.