Advise on Sweet gale ~ Bog Myrtle (Myrica gale) taste

[foragingmouse]

I really finding the bizarre in wild edibles and tomorrow I'm going to make a version of a meringue pie using bog myrtle as a substitute for lemons ,

my question is as regards to taste do you enjoy the bitterness of the male plants or the slightly more aromatic of the female ??   

[edenwildfood]

never even found any, I'm sure a lot of people wont be familiar with it. I could recognise it, but it doesnt grow near me, the UK distribution is quite sparce.

[foragingmouse]

It's bitter as as bitter thing so I'm hoping for good results

[foragingmouse]

I made a rough crust pastry with 2oz of cambium flour and 2oz of plain white flour
A pinch of salt and 2oz of butter blind cooked it into a 10inch baking tray ,

The filling is

2oz of caster sugar
3tb spoons of corn flour
1 1/2 oz of unsalted butter
3 egg yolks
10 fluid oz of cold water
12 leaves of bog myrtle

Simply crush the myrtle and add half the water and heat at a steady boil for 3-4 mins and then strain the leaves from the mix , add the sugar and remaining water and corn flour and mix until smooth , add both mixes together and heat again for one minute ,
Take off the heat and beat in the yolks and mix continuously and then add the butter ,

Pour into the base and allow to slight cool

For the top
You need 3 large egg whites and 6ozs of caster sugar beat the eggs until stiff and add the sugar ( I added a small amount of dried elderflower for flavour ) then beat until you have stiff peaks ,
Place over the curd making sure to seal the top peaking for visual effect and cook on 180 degrees for 45 mins and allow to stand and cool