It's that time of year again: Hazel catkin candy!

Recently I noticed that the hazel catkins are in full swing, and so I went out to get myself some for candy, tea and maybe whisky.  

Got a full bag of hazel catkins.  

I took 250g of butter, melted it on low heat, put in 250g of powdered sugar, stirred it in with a whisk and added the catkins.  Put in another 100 g of powdered sugar and added 200ml of water.  Reduced to a brown gooey texture, while constantly stirring on low heat. 

I put the warm catkins aside to dry to a crispy texture.  

Hazel catkins have been used as natural remedies for quite a long time.  They are reputed to have a diuretic and adstringent effect and to enhance blood circulation.  They are sweat-inducing and can be used to fight mild fevers, enhance bile flow and help with liver and gall bladder problems.  If you suffer from allergic reactions to hazel, I strongly advise you not to use it.  

In Celtic folklore, the tree is connected with wisdom, poetry and divination. According to Damian McManus: Irish Letter names and their kennings, Eric 1991, the Ogham name is Coll, with the Kenning connotations "fairest tree", "tree of sustenance" and "friend of nutshells". In poetic mythology, the nine hazels of fine mast at the well of wells of the Boyne nourish the Salmon of Knowledge.  Hence it is the tree of sustenance.  

This is a song by my lovely magic troll, Tríona nì Erc, you might enjoy.  

Stay sane, and until next time!