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Elderflower season is in full flourish, but it doesn't last long, so head out soon if you want to bottle up its delicious fresh and fragrant taste. I was delighted to take some intrepid explorers out into the wilds of Westerham to forage for these creamy white treasures; baskets of flowers were gathered to make delicious cordials, restorative teas and uplifting infusions. If you missed out, I've just launched two autumn walks, where we’ll be making the most of the berry and nut seasons.
The magnificent elder is smaller than a tree, although larger than a shrub, and can grow up to 8m in height. Prolific throughout May and June in the UK, you can spot the small, creamy-white flowers peeping out of hedgerows, along roadsides, the edges of woodland and the outskirts of farmer's fields.
As well as making a delicious cordial, the elderflower has many medicinal uses and will help with any catarrhal inflammations such as hayfever, sinusitis, catarrhal deafness and coughs. Here are some alternative ways of using elderflower:
Make an infusion of the flowers as an excellent daily spring tonic
Drink hot as a tea to promote perspiration in fevers and for expectoration of any excess mucus in the head or lungs
The flowers can be used externally as an excellent skin tonic and along with the leaves can be used on wounds, bruises, sprains, burns and scalds. A lotion can be made by pouring boiling water on the blossoms. Infuse for an hour then strain
Rub the fresh leaves on the skin as an insecticide!
An old saying goes, ‘summer has not arrived until elderflower is in full bloom and ends when the berries are ripe.’
Elderflower Cordial: Ingredients
Makes around 2 litres of cordial
Approx. 10-12 servings per litre
1kg unrefined sugar (caster or granulated)
20 heads of fresh elderflowers (enough to fill a large colander)
30g citric acid
Finely grated zest and juice of 2 lemons
SERVING SUGGESTION: Can be used to flavour cakes, salad dressings, drizzled over ice cream, or as a refreshing drink (with or without alcohol!). To drink, mix 1 part cordial to 4-5 parts still or sparking water. In the winter, try it with hot water.
Elderflower Cordial: Method
Pour 1.5 litres of water into a saucepan and bring to the boil, then add the sugar and stir until dissolved. Bring to the boil again, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-30 minutes or until thickened to a syrup consistency. Remove from the heat.
Remove the flowers from their stems with a fork (making sure you’ve rescued any bugs that are on the flowers). Add the flowers, citric acid and lemon zest and juice to the sugar syrup and stir to combine.
Transfer the mix to a large jar or glass bowl and cover with a clean cloth. Leave for 1 day, stirring once or twice.
Strain through muslin into a bowl, then pour into sterilised bottles, seal, label and date.
SHELF LIFE: Keep (unopened) in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months. Once opened, keep in the fridge and use within 2 weeks.
Now to enjoy!
This fragrant cordial is a delicious way to enjoy the benefits of elderflower and can be used to flavour lots of your favourite sweet treats. Try adding some to the icing on a lemon cake or drizzled over ice cream and strawberries. Elderflower tastes delicious alongside gooseberries, which are also in season now. Let your culinary imagination run wild!
And, of course, elderflower cordial as a refreshing cold drink is a real summer favourite - best served over ice with sparkling water and a slice of lemon (and a dash of gin doesn't go amiss, if that's your style!).
If you'd like to book your next foraging adventure with me, then click on the info button below.
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