Picking mallow in the Dutch countryside is a delight—whether you’re alone, savoring the quiet rustle of leaves, or laughing with friends as you fill baskets with vibrant blooms. The petals, soft as silk, come in shades of pink, purple, and white, making the harvest as pretty as it is rewarding.
Back home, mallow’s charm shines in decorations: tuck fresh stems into a mason jar for a rustic centerpiece, dry them upside-down for everlasting bouquets, or scatter petals over tables for a whimsical touch.
For a herbal tea, steep a handful of fresh or dried flowers in hot water for 5 minutes—add honey for sweetness. If you’re feeling fancy, try a mallow cocktail: muddle a few petals with gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup, then top with sparkling water and ice.
If treating mallow as a vegetable, its tender leaves and flowers lend a mild, slightly nutty flavor to dishes. Here are two recipes:
- Mallow and Feta Salad: Toss young leaves and petals with cucumber, crumbled feta, olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon.
- Creamy Mallow Soup: Sauté onions and garlic, add chopped mallow leaves, potato, and broth, then blend until smooth—finish with a swirl of yogurt.
Whether you’re sipping, styling, or savoring, mallow brings a little magic to everyday moments.
