You will find the fireweed plant growing in open meadows, in areas recently cleared of vegetation by wildfires and along riverbeds and roadsides. In late spring/early summer, buds and blossoms will start close to the ground. The best time to harvest is when these lower blooms are in sufficient quantity to pick. As it grows taller and older, the plant becomes stronger and more bitter. It’s always a sign that summer is coming to an end when the plant is in full bloom at the top.
TIP: Fireweed usually grows in abundance in ditches and alongside roadways. Avoid picking blossoms from these areas as it may be contaminated by exhaust fumes.
Fireweed Jelly
Ingredients
8 cups fireweed blossoms and buds lightly packed
5 cups water (more if needed)
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 pks powdered pectin (2 oz ea)
5 cups sugar
After picking, be sure to wash thoroughly to get rid of dust and bugs.
Directions
Bring blossoms and water to a boil; reduct heat to medium and boil (uncovered) for 10 minutes. Cool firewood tea and chill overnight.
Strain blossoms through several layers of cheesecloth or piece of cotton muslin or curtain material. Squeeze as much liquid out as possible and discard blossoms. If necessary, add enough water to the tea to make 4 cups.
Pour the tea into a large pot. Add lemon juice. This will cause tea to turn back to a beautiful pink colour. Add sugar and whisk to ensure lumps are dissolved. Bring the tea to a full boil and add all pectin. Whisk and bring back to a full boil. Hard boil for one minute. Pour into sterilized jars and preserve in hot water bath for 10 minutes.
When first emerging from the ground, fireweed shoots can be harvested for food. They are a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A. The shoots and young leaves of the fireweed plant can be eaten raw, in salads, pickled, sautéed or steamed as you would asparagus. Leaves and unopened buds also can be picked and used before the blossoms develop. The young, slender leaves and immature buds can be mixed with salad greens. But me, well I wait for the blossoms and buds so I can make jelly.
