Beltane is upon us! As we celebrate this vibrant festival, which heralds the peak of spring and the onset of summer, we find ourselves immersed in a season of fertility, fire, and abundant life. To enhance your festivities, we've crafted a couple of special recipes that perfectly capture the spirit of Beltane: our Beltane Ritual Tea and Fresh Bloom Salad. 

These recipes are not only designed to nourish the body but also to enrich your Beltane celebrations, whether you are gathering with loved ones or finding a moment of peace in nature's embrace. Let's make this Beltane unforgettable with flavors that echo the vibrancy of the season.

And to truly elevate your Beltane experience, be sure to light our enchanting Magic Fairy Candles! Their captivating glow will create the perfect ambiance for your celebrations, bringing a touch of magic to every moment. Celebrate with us and let the light guide your rituals!

Traditional Beltane Foods

Beltane, marking the beginning of the pastoral summer season, has a rich culinary tradition. Traditional Beltane foods include dairy, honey, oats, red fruits, herbal salads, May wine, and large round oatmeal cakes. These foods symbolize the abundance and fertility associated with the season.

Animal Products

Dairy products play a significant role in Beltane celebrations. Many Beltane practices were designed to ward off or appease the aos sí (fairies) and prevent them from stealing dairy products. This highlights the importance of milk, cheese, and other dairy items in the traditional Beltane feast.

Oatcakes and Breads

Bannocks, traditional Celtic oatcakes, have been eaten on Beltane for hundreds of years. These simple yet hearty breads are often baked over an open fire, connecting the food preparation to the ritual bonfires of Beltane.

Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables

Spring produce features prominently in Beltane cuisine. Asparagus is associated with lust, sex, power, and fertility, making it one of the most well-suited foods for Beltane. Other seasonal vegetables and fruits, especially those with red hues, are also incorporated into Beltane meals.

Beltane Ritual Tea

Our Beltane Ritual Tea offers a soothing and aromatic experience, carefully crafted to help you ground and connect with the earth's vibrant fertility during this festive season. This delightful blend features the calming notes of chamomile, the soothing essence of lavender, and a refreshing hint of mint. Whether you are engaging in Beltane rituals, sharing a moment with friends, or seeking solace in the tranquility of nature, this tea is your perfect companion. Its gentle flavors are designed to enhance relaxation and reflection, making it an ideal choice for celebrating the spirit of Beltane and enjoying the serenity of the outdoors.

Ingredients

• Hibiscus

• Schisandra

• Lemon Balm

• Nettle Leaf

• Marshmallow Root

• Licorice

• Ginger Root

• Tulsi Holy Basil

• Honey to your liking

Directions

Slowly pour 1-2 cups boiling water over 1 teaspoon of tea, depending on your preferred strength. Cover and let steep for 3-5 minutes before straining. Sweeten to your liking, then refrigerate for several hours. If you want to add extra flavor, you can experiment with infusing the tea with fresh fruit.

Fun Adaptations

• Berry Mint: Strawberries (halved), blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, spring of fresh mint

• Citrus Blueberry Basil: Orange slices, lemon slice, lime slice, blueberries, 1-2 fresh basil leaves

• Cucumber Watermelon: Watermelon pieces, sliced cucumber, basil leaves

• To make a Beltane cocktail, try spiking the tea with a shot of vodka, whiskey, or bourbon.

Beltane Beverages

May Wine

May Wine is a traditional Beltane beverage made with white wine infused with sweet woodruff. This aromatic herb adds a unique flavor and is believed to have magical properties associated with love and protection.

Traditional Drinks

In addition to May Wine, other traditional Beltane beverages include mead, herbal teas, and fruit-infused waters. These drinks often incorporate seasonal herbs and flowers to capture the essence of spring.

Fresh Bloom Salad

Complement your ritual tea with our Fresh Bloom Salad, a vibrant and refreshing ensemble that includes an array of edible flowers and crisp greens. This salad is not just a feast for the eyes with its colorful presentation, but it also offers a delightful burst of spring flavors that will enliven your Beltane celebration. Each bite merges the unique tastes and textures of various edible flowers with a medley of lush greens, creating a refreshing and invigorating experience. Perfect for a festive gathering or a tranquil meal in nature, our Fresh Bloom Salad promises to be a standout addition to your Beltane festivities, enhancing the joy and vibrancy of the season.

Salad Ingredients

• Fresh baby greens or butter leaf lettuce

• Thinly sliced sweet onion

• Grape tomatoes sliced in half

• Handful of nuts of your choice

• Fresh edible flowers & petals

• Fresh fruit of your choice

Dressing Ingredients

• 1/2 cup olive oil

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

• Juice of 1/2 a lemon

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp pepper

• 1/4 tsp honey or sugar

Directions

Prepare the dressing first by whisking all the ingredients together well & set aside. Remove a handful of flowers to a separate bowl. Prepare the rest of the salad ingredients & toss gently together. Distribute onto serving plates & then arrange the rest of the flowers across the top of each salad to show off the colors & blooms. Serve your salad with the dressing on the side to preserve bloom until the very last moment.

Edible Blooms & Petals

Calendula, carnations, chrysanthemums, clover, cornflower, dandelions, hibiscus, honeysuckle, impatiens, lilac, marigolds, nasturtiums, pansies, phlox, primrose, rose, and violets. Remember to use plants free of chemicals.

Modern Beltane Recipes

Fusion Dishes

Modern Beltane celebrations often incorporate fusion dishes that blend traditional ingredients with contemporary culinary techniques. 79% of Millennials and other young generations report that they like to experiment with flavors from other nations, which has led to innovative Beltane-inspired recipes that combine global flavors with traditional Celtic ingredients.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

With the rise of plant-based diets, many modern Beltane feasts now include vegetarian and vegan options. The Guardian estimates that there are 79 million vegans worldwide, and two-thirds of respondents to Innova's global survey expressed a desire to try plant-based versions of traditional, local cuisines. This trend has led to creative plant-based adaptations of traditional Beltane foods.

As we celebrate Beltane and embrace the fullness of spring, we hope these recipes bring a touch of magic and joy to your table. May the Beltane Ritual Tea warm your soul and the Fresh Bloom Salad delight your senses, enriching your festivities with their vibrant flavors and colors. We would love to hear about your experiences and see your culinary creations—please feel free to share them with us! Wishing you a joyful and bountiful Beltane filled with love, laughter, and the beauty of nature.

Creating a Beltane Feast

Menu Planning

When planning your Beltane feast, consider incorporating both traditional and modern elements. Balance dairy products, seasonal vegetables, and grains with innovative dishes that reflect contemporary tastes.

Table Decorations

Enhance your Beltane feast with decorations that reflect the season's vibrant energy. Use fresh flowers, especially those in yellow, red, and white, to adorn your table. Incorporate symbols of fertility and growth, such as eggs or seeds, into your centerpieces. Consider using natural materials like wood and stone to create a connection with the earth.

Conclusion

As we embrace the magic and vibrancy of Beltane, consider adding a touch of enchantment to your celebrations with Magic Fairy Candles. These beautifully crafted candles are infused with the essence of spring and designed to enhance your rituals, bringing warmth and light to your gathering. Whether illuminating your Beltane feast or serving as a calming presence during your quiet moments in nature, they embody the spirit of this joyful season. 

Don't miss the opportunity to elevate your Beltane experience—explore our collection of Magic Fairy Candles today and let their glow inspire your festivities!