Listen to the podcast

 

Beltane, marking the height of spring and the welcoming of summer, is a festival rich with the themes of fertility, growth, and renewal.

This jubilant time is celebrated with fire and flowers and also through the delights of feasting.

The traditional foods and drinks associated with Beltane are deeply symbolic, emphasising fertility and abundance.

 

The Essence of Food for Beltane 
The essence of Beltane cuisine revolves around the celebration of new life and the abundance of earth's bounty.

Dishes would be made of fresh, vibrant foods, they'd often be rich in dairy and honey, which were historically abundant during this time of year.

Foods are chosen for their symbolic connections to fertility and prosperity, and meals are often shared with others, enhancing the sense of unity and joy among communities.

 

Traditional Foods

Dairy Delights
Dairy plays a significant role in Beltane feasting, symbolising the richness of the herd and pasture.
Fresh cheeses, butter, and creams are prevalent.
Dishes such as curd cheese with herbs and honeycomb reflect the lushness of the season.
A popular dish is crowdie, a traditional Scottish cream cheese mixed with wild garlic and herbs.

 

Oatcakes
Oats are another staple of Beltane, representative of the first grains to be sown in spring.
Oatcakes, either sweetened with honey or seasoned with salt, are a common feature. They're sometimes eaten with cheese or used as a base for creamy, herbed toppings.

 

Green Herbs and Salads
Fresh green salads incorporating early spring vegetables and wild herbs are common, symbolising the green earth coming back to life.
Ingredients like sorrel, spinach, and early lettuces are mixed with edible flowers create dishes that are as beautiful as they are nutritious.

 

Meats
For those who include meat in their celebrations, lamb is often the meat of choice, signifying new life. It is could be roasted or grilled over the Beltane bonfire, infused with the flavours of spring herbs like rosemary and thyme.

 

Traditional Drinks

Mead
Mead is made from fermented honey and water, often infused with spices and herbs.
Its sweetness and connection to honey make it a perfect drink for celebrating Beltane, symbolising the sweetness and fullness of life.

 

Herbal Teas
Drinks made from freshly picked herbs, such as mint, lemon balm, or nettle, are refreshing and thought to carry the cleansing and revitalising energies of the earth.
These are enjoyed for their health benefits as well as their magickal properties.

 

Elderflower Cordial
A drink made from the flowers of the elder tree, which blooms at this time of year, elderflower cordial is a refreshing, floral beverage, often served chilled and diluted with water or sparkling wine.

 

Beltane Feasting Traditions
The act of preparing and sharing food at Beltane is as important as the food itself.

Communities traditionally gather to cook together, often outdoors.

The Beltane fire, lit as a central part of the celebrations, is not just symbolic but also practical, serving as the communal hearth where food is cooked.

Desserts are also a highlight, with dishes like rhubarb pies or strawberry tarts, which use the first berries of the season. These sweet treats are shared amongst friends and family as a gesture of goodwill and affection.

The foods are imbued with symbolism and shared joyously within the community.

They reflect the themes of fertility and abundance inherent to the festival, making the act of eating and drinking a deeply meaningful part of the celebration.

Whether you're making a simple meal of fresh cheese and oatcakes or enjoying a glass of spiced mead, each element brings you closer to the heart of Beltane.