The 'sweet violet' (violeta odorata) is like Marmite: we love it or we hate it! But did you know it was the flower for Valentine's celebration before rose took its place...

The fact is that it is making its way back into botanical perfumery!

If you have ever visited the city of Toulouse, more commonly known as the ’’Pink rose city’’ in the South West of France, you have probably experienced a close encounter with the sweet violet or ‘’Violette de Toulouse (TM)’’, a flower unique to the Gascony region used in a variety of applications, including candies, chocolates, pastries, cocktails and of course in the ’’Liqueur de Violette’’,(see recipe below), a sweet-violet flavoured liquor which is difficult to find even in France.

The Sweet Violet has become so internationally popular that the city of Toulouse hosts a yearly Festival of Violet in February and the Violet Society defends the virtues of this multi-facet flower.

Sweet violet’s essential oil (extracted from the leaves) is used in aromatherapy as a remedy to treat headaches as it contains salicylic acid found in aspirin. It is also excellent for bronchial coughs and colds so if you get hit by the winter cold, why not try violet tea...

In the UK, Sweet violet still tends to be associated with old ladies but did you know that the Violet flower has been used to many different purposes since the Ancient Times and that in Greek and Hindu mythology, the flower is a symbol of virility and fertility? Sweet Violet was also the flower used to celebrate Valentine's day before the rose!

I just love the smell of violet! It is fresh, uplifting, discreet and feminine and above all, original and unique. Its sweet smell makes you feel like eating it: it is an addictive fragrance well worth bringing back into your life...

Violet Eau de toilette, handcrafted in Southern France, is now available at Les Parfums d'Isabelle website.

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Recipe for traditional liquor of violet

For 20 people, you need:

• 1 glass of water • 375 g of sugar • 180 g of sweet violets* (make sure they are not treated with any pesticide and rinsed well) • 3/4 liter of eau-de-vie at 40° (vodka is ideal) • Bottles (preparation is directly into the bottles) • 1 pod of fresh vanilla

Prepare a syrup by mixing the sugar and vanilla grains in water and leave to cool. Separate stem and stamen off the flower, keeping only the petals. Infuse them in the eau-de-vie for 5 mins.

Filter and mix the obtained perfumed liquid with the syrup. Put in bottles and close. Serve in a brandy glass. Drink moderately!! And enjoy!!

*Usually found from your local or specialised garden center