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This week's broadcast of Mountain Stage was recorded at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek, CA. On this episode, host Kathy Mattea welcomes GRAMMY-winning Australian rock star Colin Hay, Canadian singer-songwriter Bruce Cockburn, legendary folk and country artist Ramblin' Jack Elliott, San Francisco rocker Chuck Prophet and his band The Make Out Quartet, and folk duo The Lucky Valentines.
EDIBLE MOUNTAIN – How To Make Passion Flower Infused Honey
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The Appalachian region is one of the most bio diverse ecosystems on planet earth. There is so much to wonder at even when I take a short stroll in nature here. When I come across the blossom of the passionflower (Passifloraincarnata) no matter how many times I have seen it, I always stop and enjoy its extraordinary blossom. Some folks refer to this gorgeous, often-purple flowering plant as maypop. How can something this beautiful even exist? But here it is. If it’s in bloom, I’m almost never the only one there.
Bees are usually having some sort of party basking in its sweet aroma, while on the bottom side of the passionflower blossom ants are drinking its sticky nectar. This while hummingbirds are most likely hovering around its twisted tendril vines. he bees will literally fall asleep on the flower as they get their fill.
This also works for people too. The flower of this fast-growing perennial vine can be made into an infusion or a tincture and is ingested to promote a calming effect before bed.
The plant can be used to treat anxiety as well. Researchers believe passionflower works by increasing levels of a chemical called gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA lowers the activity of some brain cells, making you feel more relaxed.
There are more than 500 species in the Passiflora incarnata family all over the world. The purple passionflower is native here in West Virginia.
We also have a less flamboyant species called yellow passionflower but it’s the purple maypop you will use to make the medicine.
It is hardy and easily cultivated for its fantastic sweet fruit, which are tennis ball size and also “maypop” when you step on them.
Be warned if you plant it in your garden that it may take over. Its roots run horizontal in all directions and its suckers “maypop” up in spots of your garden where you don’t want. them.
In the wild it is found along forest edges, preferring full sunlight, and will usually pop-up in May.
Watch Barbara Volk make passionflower-infused honey. Delicious!
EDIBLE MOUNTAIN – How to make Passion Flower Infused Honey
Flooding throughout the day Monday caused significant damage to roads, houses and bridges in central and southern West Virginia. There have been no deaths reported so far due to flooding. Officials are still working to assess damage. Many houses were flooded, and some were washed away.
Edible Mountain follows botanists, conservationists, and enthusiastic hobbyists in the field as they provide insight on sustainable forest foraging. The episodes are designed to increase appreciation and accessibility to the abundance found in Appalachia, celebrating the traditional knowledge and customs of Appalachian folk concerning plants and their medical, religious, and social uses.
When Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous “I Have A Dream” speech during the March on Washington in August 1963, he had no way of knowing the narrative and legacy the speech would leave behind.