unter den linden

The Linden trees in my neighborhood are at the height of their fragrant glory.  You walk past them and the sweet smell is intoxicating.  Linden, genus Tilia, is an amazing tree.  The honey, made by bees who gather their pollen from its flowers, is considered the most desirable honey in the world by many gourmets.  It can be used as an herbal tea and schnapps or vodka infused with linden is a seasonal treat in some Scandinavian countries.

The most famous pedestrian street in Berlin is called Unter den Linden or Under the Limes.  In the UK, linden trees are called lime trees, though they don't produce the tropical fruit we use in key lime pie or gin and tonic.  In the USA, lindens are sometimes called basswood because of the inner fiber of the bark, known as bast, which can be shredded and woven into material (like the attus made by the Ainu of Japan). Basswood is light, but very strong, and is easily worked, making it a favorite among woodcraft hobbyists.  Best of all, lindens create just about the densest, coolest shade of any deciduous tree.  You should have one shading any big window that admits a lot of heat.

In honor of this great tree, try making your own linden vodka:
1. Clean out a pint mason jar.
2. Fill it with linden blossoms (gently, don't cram).  Make sure the tree hasn't been sprayed for pests.
3. Cover with vodka.
4. Allow to steep for 3 or 4 days, shaking once in a while.
5. Strain off the liquid and chill well before serving.
The Danes drink this with dessert and say it goes especially well with cheesecake.