The southern magnolia is a striking evergreen tree with large dark green leaves up to 8 inches long and 5 inches wide. It is also known as the bull bay for the fact that cattle have been seen dining on its leaves given the opportunity. The most common marker of this species are the large, fragrant white blossoms that can measure twelve inches across. Though it is native to the southeastern United States, it is cultivated in the warmer areas of the world for its hard and heavy timber, being used to make products such as veneer, pallets, and furniture. These trees are easiest to identify when in bloom for the strong lemon-scented perfume that seemingly drifts lightly on the breeze and then in the fall when the exotic seed fruit pods develop a spray of bright red seeds.
Unbeknownst to most magnolia owners, the southern magnolia has several different culinary applications. For instance, the flowers of the magnolia are completely edible, tasting somewhat similar to how they smell, imparting a strong, sweet, floral flavor. They aren’t traditionally eaten raw, instead being pickled, using just the flower petals. It is recommended to prepare them in a sweet and sour pickle recipe as the floral taste works well with the added sweetness. These pickled flower petals are then traditionally diced up and sparingly added as flavoring to salads and other dishes. Another fun and easy way to use the petals is to simply dice up a few of the fresh petals and add them to honey, syrups, and other dessert dishes.
The easiest way to enjoy the splendor of this tree and that of the sweetbay magnolia is to simply use a leaf in the same way you would normally use a bay leaf to flavor soups and other dishes. Because of the size of the leaves, however, it is generally recommended to cut a leaf into smaller pieces when using them in this way because of their strong flavor. Sweetbay magnolia leaves can also be used to make a tea, but similarly cut into smaller pieces so as not to overpower the tea’s flavor. As with all wild teas, if you find the flavor too weak, simply add a bag of regular or green tea to the herbs to round out the flavors. It has been speculated that drinking magnolia bark tea can cure tobacco users of the habit and can be taken long term without any known side effects.
Medicinally, the bark of the tree can be used in the treatment of both rheumatism and malaria. The bark can also be used for dyspepsia, dysentery, diarrhea, and intermittent fevers. Traditionally a decoction is made and used as a wash and bath for insect bites, rashes, and sores. To make a decoction to drink, simply prepare one teaspoon of bark, combine with one cup of water, simmering with the lid off until the water is reduced by one quarter. Then cool and strain the decoction which can be used immediately or stored in the fridge for no more than 72 hours. For magnolia, one cup a day is a sufficient dose. For external use of the decoction simmer one tablespoon of bark in one pint of water for ten minutes and then allow to cool. The bark can also be soaked in a solution of alcohol and used to reduce blood pressure and stimulate the respiratory system.
So remember, try and eat one wild food every day!