The VIOLA… delicately heart-shaped and beautifully colored in yellows, whites, blues, lavenders, creams and glorious bi-colors, the Viola is more than just a lovely face.

The Viola has been used for centuries for medicinal purposes, in the production of herbal teas, as a source of perfume, for garnishing salads and desserts, and for crystallizing for elegant-candied culinary presentation.

Phew!

The Viola is a species of the the order Violaceae, which includes Violets and Pansies… but is distinguished by its more delicate flower.  But like the Pansy, the Viola is known to symbolize deep thoughts.

Get outside with your kids and discover the beauty of the Viola… often found as an ornamental border or rock garden flower.  Check the heart-shape of its delicate flowers and perhaps even compare it to the Pansy.  Why not do a bit of research on the crystallization process and the part the Viola takes in this culinary tradition.   Kids love to learn new things… and beginning with nature is a perfect beginning!