Fragrant pelargonium

Pelargonium crispum

The fragrant pelargoniums include a whole range of species and varieties from the genus pelargonium , all of which are characterized by the fact that they emit an intense scent of mint , roses , lemons or spices (sometimes only after carefully rubbing the leaves) .

Types (selection)

• Pelargonium citrodorum , which smells of orange
• Pelargonium crispum , which smells of lemon
• Pelargonium citrosum , which smells of lemon
• Pelargonium filicifolium , whose scent is reminiscent of rue
• Pelargonium fragans , whose scent is reminiscent of pine
• Pelargonium graveolens with its rose-like scent
• Pelargonium odoratissimum with a scent of apple and lemon
• Pelargonium quercifolia , smells of pine needles
• Pelargonium tomentosum , which is also called the peppermint pelargonium because of its fragrance .
• Pelargonium cucullatum , which gives off an incense-like, spicy scent
• Pelargonium capitatum , the scent of which is reminiscent of roses

Use in the kitchen

The lemon pelargonium ( P. citrosum ) is colloquially also called lemon geranium or mosquito plant .

(Pelargonium odoratissimum) is also called apple-scented pelargonium because of the predominant apple scent of the leaves , has round, toothed leaves and small white or white / pink-colored flowers on small tendrils. In contrast, the popularly known lemon geranium (Pelargonium citrosum) has a forked, branched leaf shape, but similar flowers.

The leaves of the apple-scented pelargonium are used because of their apple-cider-like aroma for perfumes and as a spice , especially for desserts, and according to DIRECTIVE 2001/113 / EC OF THE COUNCIL of December 20, 2001 on jams, jellies, marmalades and chestnut cream, they are allowed for human consumption of the EU of jam , extra jam, jelly , or extra jelly made from quince .

literature

• Wiegele, Miriam: Scented pelargoniums. Cultivation, care, varieties . Ulmer (2000). ISBN 38001-3133-1 .
• Wiegele, Miriam: Select and enjoy fragrant pelargoniums . Av Book (2010). ISBN 37040-2380-9 .
• Tolley, Emelie: herbs . DuMont (1987). ISBN 3-7701-2100-7 .

Web links

• Stefanie Goldscheider: Pelargonium perfume, aromatic and medicinal plants

Individual evidence

1. ↑ Scented pelargoniums , accessed May 27, 2018
2. ↑ Directive 2001/113 / EC (PDF) of the Council of December 20, 2001 on jams, jellies, marmalades and chestnut cream for human consumption