Wild Cherry Blossom, Sakura & The Tradition Of Hanami
- victoria ward
- Apr 14
- 2 min read
Cherry trees are flowering all around, ornamental ones in gardens and the lovely wild cherry trees which we have in abundance here in the Vale of Belvoir (pictured above and below).
These gorgeous trees Prunus avium are very pretty, tough as old boots but displaying the most delicate blossoms that the blustery April weather threatens to disrupt and bring to an untimely end.
The blossom of the Wild Cherry arrives in April, lasting only until May.
What Is The Japanese Tradition Of Hanami?
The stunning displays of cherry blossom in Japan are a well known spectacle I myself hope to see one day, the traditional practice of walking amongst these blossoms and viewing them is called Hanami.
Sakura is the term given to cherry blossom in Japan which symbolise the transient beauty of life, these delicate blooms represent renewal and the fleeting yet wondrous nature of existence. In Japan sakura are used to flavour tea and sweet treats and have value in skincare too.
How To Make Use Of Cherry Blossom
Asides from simply enjoying our native Sakura, walking amongst in our very own Hanami celebration, we can use the flowers as edible garnishes, infuse as tea, make syrups, oils and vinegars to perpetuate their beauty and sweet, floral, almondy scent and flavour.
Wild Cherry blossom's main health and skin benefits come from their antioxidant richness and anti-inflammatory properties.
Cherry Blossom Jam
Here is a link to a lovely sounding Cherry Blossom Jam
Preserved Cherry Blossom
I havent tried this yet but it sounds delightful -Preserved Cherry Blossom
Wild Cherry Blossom Skincare Benefits
Cherry Blossom has skin benefits as mentioned above, the blossoms of the Wild East Asian Cherry (Prunus serrulata) are used widely as a commercial skincare ingredient with the following skin benefits-
Anti-inflammatory- soothes inflamed skin
Anti-oxidant- protects from free-radical damage
Boosts collagen production
Protects exisiting collagen
Promotes even skin tone
Moisturising
Wild Cherry Blossom Glycerite
30% cherry blossoms
70% glycerine
Fill a clean, sterile jar with the fresh cherry blossom
Add the glycerine
Shake and leave to infuse for 1-2 weeks
Strain and store in clean sterile jar, keep for approx 1 year
Use in skincare formulations such as creams, serums, toners and washes at no more than 10% of total formulation. Works in hot and cold formulations
Comments