Sweet Gale, Catkin

What is Sweet Gale?

Sweet Gale, also known as fragrant wood, is primarily used in cooking to season all kinds of dishes such as stews, soups, or game. Sweet Gale catkins are used in the production of craft beer and microbrewery beer. Adding them to beers provides a touch of flavor and also helps them foam. Sweet Gale catkins can also be infused to make a delicious boreal infusion from right here! 

What is the difference between Sweet Gale catkins and leaves?

The taste between the two is essentially the same. However, the catkins have a more intense, peppery, and very forest-like taste. 

How to use Sweet Gale catkins?

1. As an infusion: Alone or mixed with other Nordic plants, it creates a fragrant and soothing herbal tea.
   
   
2. In cooking: Its fresh or dried catkins can be used to flavor marinades, soups, or sauces, adding a subtle and aromatic touch.
   
   
3. In natural perfumery: Used to create aromatic sachets or scented oils, Sweet Gale catkins diffuse a woody and invigorating fragrance.
   
   
4. In DIY care: Thanks to its purifying properties, it can be added to creams or lotions to revitalize the skin and scalp.
   
   

Learn more

It is an astringent plant, which means it causes a tightening of the oral mucous membranes. Also, this plant is abortive if taken during the first trimester of pregnancy.

In the past, Sweet Gale was used to repel insects in general and also to make dye! If you're the type to go on forest excursions in Quebec, you've probably come across it. The same goes if you go canoeing on our lakes, as it's found there. You've probably also gotten stuck with your boat in one of its patches.