If you're someone who loves to cook with fresh, seasonal ingredients, then you've probably heard of waterblommetjies. These small, vibrant green flowers are a delicacy in South Africa, particularly in the Western Cape region. Waterblommetjies are also known as Cape water lilies, and they grow in slow-moving rivers and ponds. Although they might look daunting to prepare, cleaning waterblommetjies is actually quite simple once you know how. Here's a guide on how to clean waterblommetjies:
What You'll Need
Before you start cleaning your waterblommetjies, make sure you have the following tools on hand:
- A large bowl or basin
- A colander or sieve
- A pair of scissors or kitchen shears
- A clean towel or paper towels
- A clean work surface
Cleaning the Waterblommetjies
Waterblommetjies need to be properly cleaned before you can cook with them. Here's how:
Step 1: Remove Any Debris
Fill your large bowl or basin with cold water. Take your waterblommetjies and gently shake them to remove any dirt, debris or insects that may be clinging to them. Discard any flowers that look damaged or discolored as they may be spoiled.
Step 2: Cut Off the Stems and Calyxes
Using a pair of scissors or kitchen shears, cut off the stems and calyxes from the waterblommetjies. Calyx is a green cup-shaped structure at the base of each flower, It is bitter and has a fibrous texture which does not enhance the flavour of the dish. Be careful to cut as close to the base of the flower as possible, so you don't waste any of the petals. Only the petals and the center of the flower should be used.
Step 3: Soak in Cold Water
Rinse the waterblommetjies under cold running water, and then place them in the large bowl or basin filled with clean, cold water. Leave them to soak for at least 15-20 minutes. This will help to soften and revive the petals.
Step 4: Rinse under Cold Water Again
After the flowers have soaked, remove them from the water using the colander or sieve. Rinse them under cold running water once again. Use your fingers to gently tease apart any petals that are stuck together.
Step 5: Dry the Waterblommetjies
Place the clean waterblommetjies on a clean towel or paper towel, and pat them dry as much as possible. Spread them out on a clean work surface and let them air-dry for a few minutes before using them in your recipe.
Conclusion
Waterblommetjies are a wonderful ingredient to work with, but they do require a little bit of prep work before they can be used in your cooking. By following these simple steps, you'll be able to clean your waterblommetjies quickly and efficiently. Now you can go to your local farmer's market and experiment with new recipes using this unique Southern African specialty.
