Bog Myrtle

Bog myrtle leaves were used for flavouring ale long before hops were brought to England, and in Sweden it was forbidden to gather the blossoms before a certain date, in order to preserve the plant. In many places the berries were dried and used as a spice for flavouring soups and stews. The French, in Canada, used the leaves for a similar purpose, while in the Highlands they were dried and used to scent linen and keep moths away. The Swedes put a sprig of gale in neat spirit (fire-water) and leave it for a month or two. They then serve it with the roe of bleak as a special delicacy.