Ashen-keys are the unripe winged seed pods of the Ash tree. Evelyn 1699 has them boiled and potted with wine-vinegar, sugar and water. (Family Guide 1747)


Image: https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk


Original Receipt in Evelyn 1699;

Ashen-keys. Gather them young, and boil them in three or four Waters to extract the Bitterness; and when they feel tender, prepare a syrup [131] of sharp White-Wine Vinegar, sugar, and a little Water. Then boil them on a very quick Fire, and they will become of a green Colour, fit to be potted so soon as cold.