Herb
Woodruff
Sweet woodruff is a shade-loving herb with whorled leaves that develop a hay-vanilla aroma when dried or wilted. It famously flavours German Maiwein (May wine) and appears in syrups, jellies, and spring desserts. Fresh green leaves are milder and less coumarin-rich than properly dried material. Use is traditionally seasonal and moderate.
Also known as: Waldmeister, Waldmeister, Aspérule odorante
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A sample of named types with their own origin and culinary profiles.
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Nutrition
Typical values per 100 g edible portion. Nutrient names open the reference page.
Nutrition Facts
Per 100 g edible portion
Amount per 100 g
- Total Fat 0.81 g
- Saturated Fat 0.19 g
- Trans Fat 0 g
- Monounsaturated Fat 0.1 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat 0.38 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Sodium 23.1 mg
- Salt 0.05 g
- Total Carbohydrate 7.06 g
- Dietary Fibre 3.86 g
- Total Sugars 1.05 g
- Complex / starch 0.92 g
- Protein 3.01 g
- Water 87.9 g
- Energy 42.8 kcal
- Water 87.9 g
- Carbohydrates 7.06 g
- Sugars 1.05 g
- Monosaccharides 0.74 g
- Disaccharides 0.31 g
- Starch 0.92 g
- Amylose 0.23 g
- Amylopectin 0.69 g
- Digestible Starch 0.78 g
- Resistant Starch 0.09 g
- Fibre 3.86 g
- Soluble Fibre 1.35 g
- Insoluble Fibre 2.51 g
- Protein 3.01 g
- Plant Protein 2.86 g
- Fat 0.81 g
- Saturated Fat 0.19 g
- Monounsaturated Fat 0.1 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat 0.38 g
- Vitamins 387 mg
- Vitamin A 20 µg
- Vitamin B1 — Thiamine 0.08 mg
- Vitamin B2 — Riboflavin 0.15 mg
- Vitamin B3 — Niacin 1.01 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.2 mg
- Vitamin B7 — Biotin 2 µg
- Vitamin B9 — Folate 77.6 µg
- Vitamin C 2 mg
- Vitamin E 1.9 mg
- Vitamin K 282 µg
- Minerals 229 mg
- Major Minerals 223 mg
- Trace Minerals 5.9 mg
- Salt 0.05 g
- Sodium Chloride 0.05 g
Vitamins
vitamin-c: 2 · vitamin-a: 20 · vitamin-b1-thiamine: 0.08 · vitamin-b2-riboflavin: 0.15 · vitamin-b3-niacin: 1.01 · vitamin-b5-pantothenic-acid: 0.4 · vitamin-b6: 0.2 · vitamin-b7-biotin: 2 · vitamin-b9-folate: 77.6 · vitamin-e: 1.9 · vitamin-k: 282.1 ·
Minerals
Sodium: 23.14 · Potassium: 170 · Calcium: 30 · Iron: 0.5 · Zinc: 0.4 · Iodine: 5 ·
Fresh herbs are aromatic leaves—modest macros, concentrated micronutrients and polyphenols per gram dry.
History
Woodruff grew in European woodlands and entered monastic gardens as a fragrant strewing and drink herb.
Maiwein flavoured with woodruff became a spring tradition in German-speaking regions.
Woodruff syrups and jellies spread through Central European home cookery.
Commercial May wine and woodruff extracts made the flavour available beyond foragers.