Japanese knotweed is commonly viewed as an annoying pest that can ravage your garden, cripple your house price and generally run roughshod over your property.
With such devastating effects, discovering Japanese knotweed on your property is enough to drive you to drink and have you reaching for the liquor cabinet in no time.
Luckily enough, doing so could actually help you combat your knotty invaders, as Japanese knotweed can actually be used to make a variety of adult beverages!
If you have JKW on your property, why not put your garden invader on ice today with these interesting drinks you can make with Japanese knotweed.
Japanese Knotweed Vodka
Due to its uncanny likeness, Russian vine is often wrongly mistaken for Japanese knotweed. Given the existing connection, why not take that international relationship one step further by using your JKW to make a tasty vodka?
Simply chop your knotweed shoots into inch-long chunks and place in a 1-litre jar with 75cl of vodka and 225g of sugar. Shake, seal and leave for approximately a month. Strain the mixture into a bottle using a muslin cloth and reseal for future sampling at your leisure. Nostrovia!
Japanese Knotweed Gin
Perhaps the easiest option in this blog, creating Japanese knotweed-infused gin is almost too easy NOT to try.
Japanese knotweed is often compared to rhubarb for its sharp, tart flavour. These attributes make it an excellent addition to gin that’s also complimented perfectly with traditional tonic.
To infuse your gin with the knotweed flavour, chop the JKW shoots into short 1-2cm chunks, slicing enough to fill a clip-top jar. Submerge completely with your unflavoured gin of choice and leave in a cool, dark place to infuse for at least a week before straining into a sealable bottle.
For the full, organic effect, push a chopstick through a freshly cut (and washed) shoot of knotweed to create a hollow straw and serve chilled with tonic and ice.
Japanese Knotweed Tea
If backyard booze isn’t your cup of tea, maybe this next entry will be…primarily as it’s just that – tea!
A staple of Asian culture, it should come as little surprise to hear that Japanese knotweed can indeed be used to make a hearty herbal brew that’s beneficial in numerous ways. Rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin C, JKW is also a great source of zinc, potassium, phosphorous and manganese.
Known domestically as “Itadori” tea, it’s also rich in resveratrol, which has been known to combat bad cholesterol, lower blood pressure and protect brain function. Simply bring to the boil and simmer for 20 mins before adding sugar to taste. Can also be served chilled as a refreshing ice tea.
Other Japanese Knotweed Beverages
Proving just how versatile the demonised weed can be in terms of palatable delicacies, Japanese knotweed can even be made into beer. Imagine sitting down with one of those the next time the footy is on!
Even if knotweed beer doesn’t take your fancy, you're still not out of options in terms of liquid refreshments. With Japanese knotweed, you can turn vine into vino with Japanese knotweed wine; however, these recipes are admittedly a lot less simple and require a lot more time, effort and patience to master.
Japanese Knotweed Removal
While putting any on-site Japanese knotweed to good use is a great way to make the best of a bad situation, it’s highly unlikely that you will be able to drink JKW into submission.
If you want to rid your property of Japanese knotweed altogether, it may be worth considering professional removal services.
With over 15 years’ experience, Taylor Weed Control is fully equipped with the knowledge and expertise to get the job done once and for all.
For further details on our Japanese knotweed removal services, why not get in touch today? Call now on 029 2039 7554 or click the button below to request a FREE weed removal survey.
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