The annual Waterblommetjie Festival is here again. You can enjoy waterblommetjies in so many forms, on a pizza, as ice cream, sushi, a spring roll, a tart or in a myriad of other ways.
The Waterblommetjie Festival is on Saturday 7 September at Windmeul Kelder and Rhebokskloof Estate in Paarl. You can expect waterblommetjies in different dishes, award-winning wines and live music.
Annual Waterblommetjie Festival
Tis the season now for waterblommetjies. It’s not clear why they only grow once a year, for a couple of weeks, and again ONLY in the Western Cape.
They are not found anywhere in the world. According to a Food Lovers Market interview, a waterblommetjie is a small water flower” that is endemic to the Western Cape.
“The flowers grow in dams or marshes in the Western Cape, and a short season in which they flourish – July and August. These lightly scented flowers drift on top of a valley pond,” said a statement.
Packed with vitamins
According to Rhebokskloof, the waterblommetjie is also known as Cape Pond Weed, Water Hawthorne, Vleikos or Aponogeton distachyos (Aponogetonaceae). It’s an indigenous delicacy that is only found in the Boland. It’s harvested for a short period each year, which makes it a sought-after ingredient.
Used in heritage foods such as the traditional waterblommetjiebredie (stew), the Khoikhoi used it for medicinal purposes and is packed with vitamins.
“On the festival day, waterblommetjies will be featured in both traditional and highly innovative ways.”
A Waterblommetjies-Celebration
The organizers of the festival say you’ll be able to enjoy traditional stew and fresh waterblommetjies at Windmeul, which also plays host to the famous farmers’ market. There’s also going to be a highly competitive Potjiekos competition.
The Rhebokskloof Estate has pulled out all the stops too, with cellar master Rolanie Lotz in collaboration with their chef creating some amazing offerings.
MORE ABOUT: Celebrating The Waterblommetjie
Five award-winning wines will be teamed up with a variety of waterblommetjie-infused dishes. From waterblommetjie teriyaki sushi to fritters, smoked snoek tarts, curried pork bon bons or braised beef spring rolls, all five tasting portions feature waterblommetjies in some way.
There are only 4 sessions available during the day with limited seating for each tasting. The tasting costs R350 per person. You can book at dineplan.co.za
This Indigenous Delicacy
For a more extensive gourmet experience, a delectable 4-course menu showcases this local delicacy in more novel ways.
-> The 1st course features togarashi tuna with a crispy tempura-battered waterblommetjie flower for a delightful fusion of spicy and crunchy textures. This is paired with the Rhebokskloof Estate 2022 Chardonnay.
-> The 2nd course of braised and roasted pork belly is served with silky smooth celeriac puree, waterblommetjie ‘bubble and squeak’, topped with a zesty gooseberry chutney and is paired with the Rhebokskloof Estate 2020 Shiraz.
-> The 3rd course is the traditional waterblommetjie and lamb bredie (stew) and is complemented by the exquisite Rhebokskloof Estate 2020 The Rhebok.
-> The 4th course and grand finale is a dark chocolate tart with candied waterblommetjie ice cream. The Rhebokskloof Estate’s Flatrock Sparkle ends the final course on a high note.
Bookings are essential with tickets costing R550 per person. You can book at https://www.rhebokskloof.co.za/…/waterblommetjies-event/
A can of tinned food gets you in
Entry to the venues is free but please bring a tin of canned food per person, as a donation. The cans will be donated to the festival’s charity – Athlone House of Strength. It’s a shelter for abused women and children in Paarl.
Details are also available on Instagram and Facebook @Waterblommetjiefees.
