Sweet Woodruff

Sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum or Asperula odorata) is a small woodland herb that grows in temperate regions of the northern hemisphere. Also known as woodruff, wild baby's breath and ladies bedstraw, this perennial herb has a hay-like aroma and a spicy, bitter flavour that works best with sweet dishes, as the sugar improves the flavour and tones down any unpleasant aspects. In Germany, woodruff is added to white wine along with brandy and sugar or Benedictine to make a drink known as May wine (Maiwein).