The elegant elderflower – if you’ve been noticing large, creamy blossoms on forest edges, then you’re probably seeing the flower of the elder. In this post, we are sharing an assortment of elderflower recipes to try yourself. Like us, we hope you find the flower an alluring early-summer resource!
It seems appropriatethat the elder is under the sign of Venus. When you begin working with itsaromatic blooms, it’s easy to understand why the elder means purification and love in the language of flowers. In fact, when standing amid an elder in full bloom, one almost feels the presence of the goddess Venus herself.
Fittingly, the delicateflower helps women remain beautiful; it has been used since ancient Egyptian times for reducingwrinkles and age spots. It also inspired the poet Seamus Heaney when he wrote his Glanmore Sonnets:
He lived there in the unsayable light.
He saw the fuchsia in a drizzling noon,
The elderflowers at dusk like a risen moon
And green fields greying on the windswept heights.
Shamans and medicine people worldwide believed elder was a supportive plant and commonly used it for upper respiratory ailments and topically for skin problems. Traditionally, our herbalist elders, such as Hippocrates, Dioscorides, and Pliney the Elder recognized its strength as a diuretic, diaphoretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and more. Recent research from Israel and the United Kingdom has confirmed some of these claims.
Elder has long been a human ally – read more about this herb here. And below, you will find an assortment of elderflower recipes and uses to try yourself. Like me, I hope you find the flower an alluring early-summer resource!
When I was in England a few years ago, I ran across a non-alcoholic drink known as “Elder Flower Cordial,” and I fell in love. When I came home, I experimented until I came up with this recipe:
Elderflower Cordial
Ingredients
Thirty ounces of water
Four to five elderberry umbels, with most of the stems removed
Directions
- Bring the water to a boil and remove from heat.
- Add the elderberry umbels to the water, cover, and let stand for several hours.
- Strain the flowers and measure the water before returning it to a clean pot.
- Add the same amount of sugar as you have liquid and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes.
- Remove from heat.
- Chill.
- Add the syrup mixture to sparkling water to taste.
I fill jars 2/3 full of this syrup and freeze it for winter use. I’ve used it on pancakes and in cake mixes. It makes a wonderful punch, too.
Elderflower Fritters
Making fritters is one of my favorite ways to enjoy elderflowers. All you need is fresh elder flowers and pre-made pancake mix. A variety of recipes can be found in old cookbooks, or use the one in this post:
http://theherbalacademy.com/2015/06/the-joy-of-harvesting-and-using-elder-flowers/
Elderflower Vinegar
Ingredients
Vinegar (apple cider, white wine, or champagne all make excellent choices)
Elder flowers
Directions
- Fill a jar with fresh elder flowers.
- Cover with vinegar.
- Let sit for at least a month, strain, and pour the infused vinegar into a sterilized bottle.
When I make an elderberry oxymel, I use elder-infused vinegar. You can do the same thing with elixirs and elder flower honey.
Elder Flower Evening Beverage
Ingredients
5 fresh elder flowers
A few springs of lemon balm
Peels from one lemon
Vodka
Sugar
Directions
- Remove elder stems and put the flowers in a glass jar, along with the lemon balm and lemon peel.
- Add enough vodka to cover and let sit for at least two weeks.
- Strain flowers from vodka.
- Add a sugar syrup (to taste) and let sit at least two more weeks.
- Serve this delicious beverage over ice.
Elderflower for Allergy Support
Allergies are troublesome for many of us, especially during this time of year. Check out these six plants that may offer support, with instructions on how to use them:
http://theherbalacademy.com/2015/05/allergy-home-remedies-for-families/
Formula for Hot & Moist Cold/Flu
This cold and fever tea formula, made with five common plant allies, is one to make this summer. That way, you’ll be ready for cold and flu season when it arrives.Find instructions here:
http://theherbalacademy.com/2014/07/yarrow-as-a-natural-remedy-for-fever-and-flu/
Elderflower Wine
You may have heard of elderberry wine, but there many ways to make wines using ingredients you probably have growing right in your own backyard.Check out these seven plants and let the winemaking begin!
http://theherbalacademy.com/2015/04/turn-these-7-herbs-and-flowers-into-country-wine/
Elderflower Tea – Always a Wise Choice
If you’ve never collected elder flowers or made an elderflower tea, you’re in for a treat. Learn how to harvest elderflowers and transform them into a lovely beverage!
http://www.thedancingherbalist.com/#!Edlerflower/chwf/5506f4950cf2458597d0705a
Three-Flower Vinegar
This vinegar is wonderful for the skin! This recipe calls for lavender buds, rose petals, and elderflowers. Learn how to make this skin-soothing vinegar here:
http://www.indieherbalist.com/blog/three-flower-vinegar-first-aid-for-skin
Elderflower Sorbet
This tasty sorbet is made with gooseberries, honey, and elderflowers. In addition to the sorbet recipe, you’ll find four more ideas for using elderflowers to make elderflower vinegar, champagne, infused almond milk, and elderflower pancakes. Get all the recipes in this post.
http://www.wildplantforager.com/blog/5-delicious-elder-flower-recipes-other-than-just-syrup
FAQs
Elderflower is delicious mixed into cakes, tarts, trifles and jams. It pairs particularly well with tart fruits such as rhubarb and gooseberries. From casual nibbles to celebratory showstoppers, we have a whole host of fantastic floral recipes.
What are elderflowers used for? ›
Elderflower is the flower of the elder tree. An extract of the flower is used to make medicine. Elderflower is used for common cold, flu (influenza), swelling (inflammation) of the nasal cavity and sinuses (rhinosinusitis), and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
What does elderflower pair with? ›
Elderflower tends to mix better with light-coloured fruits such as pear, apple and white grapes. Strong berry flavours such as raspberry, blackberry and blackcurrant can overwhelm elderflower liqueurs with only its honeyed sweetness contributing to such drinks, its floral flavours smothered by these dark fruits.
Who should not take elderflower? ›
Stay on the safe side and avoid use. Diabetes: There is a concern that elderflower might lower blood sugar levels. If taken with diabetes medications, it might make blood sugar levels go too low. If you have diabetes and use elderflower, be sure to monitor your blood sugar levels carefully.
What part of elderflower is edible? ›
The flowers and berries are the only edible part of the plant. They are mildly toxic and have an unpleasant taste when raw. Cooking destroys the toxic chemicals. Elderflowers are ready around late May to mid-June.
Can you eat elderflower raw? ›
In general, it is not advised to eat elderflowers or elderberries raw. Some people get a stomach upset and there is a mild toxicity. That is why traditionally, elderflowers are infused not eaten and elderberries are cooked (to make syrup, wine or pontack sauce).
What are the magical uses of elderflower? ›
It has been used for amulets, yet was prohibited for cradles, burning, and boatmaking, and said to bring bad luck to bring the flowers indoors (like hawthorn), yet green elder branches were buried in a grave to protect from evil spirits. Like many other materials with ritual power, it had to be carefully handled.
Does elderflower have side effects? ›
American elder flowers or cooked, ripe fruit are safe for most adults in the amounts found in foods. There is some scientific evidence that suggests the flowers are safe in medicinal amounts, which are typically larger. Some side effects might include nausea, vomiting, weakness, dizziness, numbness, and stupor.
Can you drink elderflower straight? ›
This quarantees the easy mixability with sparkling wine/Champagne, or enjoyed chilled by itself!
What fruit goes best with elderflower? ›
The lightly sweet nuances of elderflower blend well with many other natural fruit flavors and botanicals, including honey, pear, blackberry, strawberry, grapefruit, orange, lime, passionfruit, ginger, and even herbal flavors like rosemary, basil, and lemongrass.
Elderflower is a diuretic, laxative, antispetic, antiviral and also has anti-inflammatory properties. The flowers are known for their high antioxidant content and Vitamin C which is great for boosting your immune system.
Does elderflower have any health benefits? ›
Elderflower is a creamy, white flower found on the black elder tree. It's often used medicinally. Though research is limited, elderflower might help treat constipation, reduce cold and flu symptoms, treat gingivitis, and even control blood sugar. Elderflower is generally recognized as safe by the FDA.
What not to mix with elderberry? ›
Because elderberry may stimulate the immune system, it could interfere with medications taken to suppress the immune system. These medications include corticosteroids (prednisone) and medications used to treat autoimmune diseases. People with organ transplants should also avoid elderberry.
Is elderflower good for anxiety? ›
There is evidence to suggest elderflower is great for heart health and may even help lower “bad cholesterol”. It has been proven to help lower blood glucose too and mild cases of hypertension or pre-hypertension. Elderflower is thought to have calming properties and can help with anxiety and depression.
Does elderflower help you sleep? ›
Not only can Elderflower be used in acute and first aid situations as discussed above, but elderflower also has a gently relaxant effect which may be applied for those experiencing nightmares and disturbed sleep, useful for both adults and children.
What does elderflower taste like? ›
By itself, the elderflower flavor profile is described as a uniquely fresh, fruity, green and slightly floral with subtle pear, lychee and tropical nuances. Such a profile that blends the different (unique floral) with the familiar (pear) and interesting (lychee) is often the foundation for broader appeal.
How do you use elderflower herbs? ›
You can pick and dry the flower heads for use in winter to help with runny noses and fever management - pair it with thyme and peppermint for a lovely infusion. In summer pair elder with mint in a cold infusion - add the plant material to cold water and leave for a few hours before drinking.
How are elderberries used in cooking? ›
Alternatively, add elderberries to fruit pies such as apple pie or steamed sponges such as plum sponge. Elderberries can also be stewed down and served on the side of roast meats such as duck, pork or game. Alternatively, make elderberry wine and use it to deglaze your roasting tin for a rich, fruity gravy.
What is elderflower liqueur used for? ›
Adding a dash of St‑Germain Elderflower Liqueur to your favourite co*cktail is the perfect way to celebrate. With up to 1,000 elderflowers in every bottle, it's the easiest way to elevate any co*cktail. Perfect as a gift at any time of year, our iconic art deco-inspired bottle is a staple on a home bar cart.
