British Flowers: Historical Culinary Uses

15 Points Per Correct Answer - No time limit  

1. The flowers of the red variety of this plant family were made into a potent wine. Valarian Poppy Clover Violet

2. What pink flower (multiple flowers are carried on the stem in a spike formation), was given as a reviving drink to nursing mothers in the 17th Century? Fritillary Kidney Vetch Sainfoin Meadow Saxifrage

3. The tubers of which member of the pea family were used since the Middle Ages as a subsistance crop (they are said to taste similar to chestnuts)? Meadow Vetchling Bitter Vetch Great Burnet Weld

4. What plant was used in the 16th Century to mask unpleasant smells and was said to be a particular favourite of Elizabeth I, who had them strewn on the floor as a fragrant carpet? Orpine Tufted Vetch Meadowsweet Primrose

5. The roots of Silverweed were an important crop plant in Britain before the introduction of potatoes, and were eaten raw, boiled and baked: True or False? Answer: ('T' or 'F' sufficient)

6. This berry producing shrub was called Hindberry until the 16th Century. Strawberry Raspberry Nightshade Herb Bennet

7. This member of the rose family has multiple yellow flowers arranged in a spike formation on the stem and can be used to brew a stimulating alternative to tea. Navelwort Fool's Parsley Agrimony Mistletoe

8. The sour tasting leaves of this plant were a great favourite of Henry VIII and are still often served in a green sauce with fish. Charlock Fool's Watercress Wild Parsnip Sorrel

9. This member of the primrose family is used to make wine. Primrose Water Mint Water Violet Cowslip

10. The stems of Ground Ivy were used to introduce a nutty flavour to bread in the 14th Century: True or False? Answer: ('T' or 'F' sufficient)

11. This member of the bedstraw family is also a relative of coffee and quinine. Goosegrass Diaspensia Lesser Burdock Hound's Tongue

12. This daisy like flower is dried in the late summer and autumn and brewed to make chamomile tea. Sweet pea Scented Mayweed Goosegrass Cat's Ear

13. This yellow member of the daisy family was used particularly to flavour egg dishes. Tansy Pineapple Weed Feverfew Ox-Eye Daisy

14. The root of the Red Valarian can be made into a tasty soup: True or False? Answer: ('T' or 'F' is sufficient.)

15. Which of the following plants have been used to creat a food oil? Fairy Flax Pale Flax Bluebell Bog Pimpernel