I had the pleasure of having a friend over to visit recently and as I had in my head for a couple of days that I needed to get out and pick elderflowers and as she had never done that before we took the opportunity. Now I should also mention that my friend Ana is the most talented photographer that I know (check out her gorgeous Instagram feed HERE for some seriously drool worthy pics) and she regularly takes pictures for my business so the fact that she had her camera along with her and was happy to take pictures was an absolute bonus.
Photo by Ana Dorado
We got to take a walk, with the kids, in the glorious Laois countryside, we got to chat and catch up, we picked elderflowers and I shared with her my super simple recipe for elderflower cordial. Its so easy, even the kids can do it (though if they’re not used to using the hob keep a close eye)
On the look out for Elderflowers. Photo by Ana Dorado
Most of us probably only know elderflower as a cordial, a summer drink, but elderflower has been used in traditional medicine all over the world in many different cultures due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties . You can read more about the benefits of the elderflower right HERE.
Its always best to try reach the higher up blossoms - they see more of the sun and therefore have more pollen which equals more taste! Photo by Ana Dorado
I also use the elderberry in the autumn to make tinctures, syrup, cordial & jams but today I want to give you my simple recipe for Elderflower Cordial.
Firstly, you need to collect the elderflowers, which is best to do on a sunny day when there is lots of pollen on them (this is where the beautiful, unique taste comes from). Its really important to make sure you are collecting them from an area you know is not being sprayed with chemicals - you don’t want to be drinking those! Also important is to make sure you don’t take all the elderflowers from one tree, otherwise that tree will have no berries in the autumn. Take a couple of heads from each tree, leaving plenty behind for the bees and other insects.
When you get home there is no need to wash the flowers, I don’t, they are very delicate and drowning them in water is going to ruin the delicate taste. Just give them a little shake to dislodge any small insects. Snip the flowers off about 25 heads into a large bowl.
In the meantime make your syrup. This recipe calls for 1.5 litres of water and 2.5 kg of sugar but to be honest I’ve never used that much sugar. I only use 1 kg (its entirely up to you). Gently heat the water and dissolve the sugar -do not allow to boil at this stage. Once the sugar is dissolved, turn up the heat and bring the syrup to a boil. Then turn off the heat.
Take 3 lemons ( I use organic) and take the peel off in strips and then slice the lemons thinly. Pop these into the bowl with your elderflowers.
Carefully pour over the syrup, give everything a good stir, cover and leave on the counter for 48hrs. Strain carefully ( I strain it twice through a muslin cloth but a clean tea towel will do) there are lots of teeny flowers in there. Pour into sterlised bottles (or jars) and refrigerate. Should last about 6 weeks in the fridge. You can also freeze it. See how to sterilise your bottles & jars HERE.
There are lots of ways to use your Elderflower Cordial
freeze it in ice cube trays to add to drinks on a hot day
make a spritzer with sparkling water and some lemon & Lime slices
use as a base for a fruit cocktail
drizzle over a plain madeira cake or sponge to get that delicate elderflower taste
use to make icing to top cakes or cupcakes
make a hot drink, with lemon and ginger to help ward off colds & flu
Exquisite Elderflower! Photo by Ana Dorado
However you decide to use your elderflower cordial, do yourself a favour and get out in the gorgeous countryside and pick some elderflowers in the coming weeks - the season for the flowers doesn’t last very long. Its a very satisfying thing to do, the kids will love to help picking the flowers and you will not only feel very chuffed with yourself but there will be a great joy in knowing you’ve made something by foraging whats growing on your doorstep. Its good for the soul and who doesn’t need more of that!