June 2026 in a Nutshell

Last month on Plant Based Past, there were refreshing cold desserts, Victorian gardening gadgets, rose perfumes from the 19th and early 20th centuries, and a history of imitation pearls suitable for vegetarians. In case you missed them, or want to share with a friend, here’s a recap and free friend links for June’s articles. Also, articles will now be posted every Friday instead of on Wednesdays.

5 Vegan Friendly Cold Dessert Recipes from History for a Refreshing Ending to Summer Dinners

As Summer approaches and temperatures rise, cool and refreshing dishes are called for. Complete your weeknight dinner menus with these historic recipes for cold desserts in 5 Vegan Friendly Cold Dessert Recipes from History for a Refreshing Ending to Summer Dinners.

Hedgehog Planters and Strawberry Pots: A Look at Gardening Accessories of the Victorian Era

The Victorian pastime of gardening left behind many fascinating artifacts. Discover gardening accessories both unusual and unfamiliar dating to the Victorian era in Hedgehog Planters and Strawberry Pots: A Look at Gardening Accessories of the Victorian Era.

Victorian and Edwardian Perfumery Series: Rose Perfume

Rose perfumes were a popular staple of perfumeries in the Victorian and Edwardian era. Learn more about these early formulas for this popular floral fragrance in Victorian and Edwardian Perfumery Series: Rose Perfumes.

Oysterless Pearls: A Vegetarian History of Faux Pearls

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Some vegetarians in the past objected to wearing pearls. Learn more about the imitation pearls they may have adopted as substitutes in Oysterless Pearls: A Vegetarian History of Faux Pearls.

This month’s bonus recipe is another cold dessert that is flavored with rose water, a 1905 recipe for a lemon rose sorbet.

193. Rose water ice

Add a few tablespoonfuls of rose water to lemon water ice. (p. 28 The Vest Pocket Pastry Book, 1905)

176. Lemon water ice

4lbs sugar, 6 quarts water, 1 doz. Lemons. Dissolve the sugar in the water, add the grated yellow rind of 3, and the juice of all the lemons. Let infuse for about 2 hours, strain and freeze. (p. 26 The Vest Pocket Pastry Book, 1905)

Design Created by Danielle Herring using Canva Elements and Lemons and Lemon Blossoms in a Basket (circa 18th century) Wikimedia Commons Public Domain

Thank you for following, and happy reading!

Danielle Herring