At this time of year woods and hedgerows are brightened by masses of tiny white flowers hanging in sprays which develop into purple elderberries later in the summer.
The fragrant elderflowers have many different culinary uses from drinks to desserts with perhaps the most well known being elderflower cordial.
One of our members, has kindly sent through details of how to make elderflower coridal using flowers harvested from the hedgerows on site and a recipe on BBC Good Food. They suggested making a half quantity as the recipe produces 3 litres of cordial.
Ingredients
- 2½ kg white sugar
- 2 unwaxed lemons
- 20 fresh elderflower heads, stalks trimmed
- 85g citric acid (from chemists)
- 1.5L water
Method
Step 1: Dissolve the sugar in 1.5l water on low heat. Do not boil. Stir until the sugar has dissolved.
Step 2: Add rest of ingredients and cover. Set aside for 24 hours.
Step 3: Strain through a clean cloth or tea towel and bottle.
Step 4: Will keep in fridge for the whole summer.
A really simple recipe. For the next batch our member is going to try infusing ginger and/or lemongrass.