Elderflower is an amazing wild plant and has some incredible properties, as well as rich folklore surrounding it. Here we take a trip into the magic of the elder tree, including a simple recipe for elderflower syrup, which you can use to make cordial and other drinks. Try using it in cocktails and drizzling it onto lemon cakes for a unique summery twist.
Elderflower cordial recipe
Ingredients:
20 or so elderflower heads (fun fact: they are called umbels)
2 unwaxed lemons (because we are using the peel)
85g food-grade citric acid (available online at Ethical Superstore)
1.5 litres of water
Method:
Add the water and sugar to a very large saucepan and gently heat, stirring often, until the sugar has completely dissolved.
Peel the zest from the lemons using a potato peeler and slice the lemons thinly. You can wash the elderflowers if you want, but some people think this removes flavour – use your own judgement on this. Remove as much stalk as possible from the flowers.
Bring your syrup to the boil briefly and then turn off the heat. Immediately add the lemon zest and slices, citric acid and elderflowers to the syrup, stir well and leave to infuse for 24 hours.
Strain the flowers and lemon out of the syrup through a sieve and then pass it through a cheesecloth to get every little bit out for a smooth, clear-looking syrup. Store your syrup in sterilised bottles or jars in the fridge for up to 6 weeks.
Add your elderflower syrup to sparkling or still water for a refreshing summer drink, use in cocktails, baking, on pancakes, or however you wish.
What is elderflower?
Elderflowers grow on the elder tree, also known as sambucus nigra in the family Adoxacae. A small tree that often grows in amongst hedgerows, on grassland or the edges of woodlands, the elder tree produces sprays of tiny white flowers in May and June that are a great source of food for pollinators, including several species of moths. (Note: all parts of the elder tree can be poisonous, including the flowers if consumed raw.) Later in the year, the elder tree produces elderberries, which are enjoyed by birds as a late summer snack.
How to gather elderflowers for making syrup
Identifying elderflowers is quite easy – look for the sprays of creamy white flowers with a sweet and pungent smell. The leaves of the elder are feather-shaped and have serrated edges. Collect your elderflowers on a dry and sunny day, ideally in the morning. Choose flowers that have recently opened but haven’t started to go brown. Don’t take every umbel of flowers from the tree – make sure you leave plenty for the insects and to turn into elderberries later on. Shake off any bugs when you pick them, and before cooking with your elderflowers, lay them out on your kitchen counter or table to allow any remaining bugs to make their exit. As mentioned in the recipe, you can wash the flowers if you want, but some think this affects the flavour, so do what you think is best. Use the flowers the same day you pick them – they will start wilting within a few hours.
Elderflower folklore
There are so many tales from folklore about the elder tree. People used to keep elder branches near their front door to keep away the devil, but it was also thought that burning elder would make him appear! Some people would carry around a piece of elder wood or wear the flowers in their hair for spiritual protection. Planting an elder tree near your home was said to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. It used to be known as the ‘Judas tree’ because, according to legend, Judas Iscariot hanged himself from the elder tree after betraying Jesus.
Many cultures around Europe consider the elder tree sacred, and believe that every elder tree is inhabited by a spirit known as the ‘elder mother’ and cutting down the tree or even touching it without asking permission would incur her wrath. Some pagan traditions hold the elder in very high regard and believe it can dispel negative energy. In traditional medicine, elderflower decoctions were used for relieving headaches, and even today, elderberry syrup is used to soothe cold symptoms and sore throats.
Elderflower is a perfect example of the beauty and usefulness of UK native wildflowers. Not only does it offer us a delicious, fragrant ingredient for homemade cordials and treats, but it also supports pollinators and wildlife throughout the seasons, feeding insects in early summer and birds later in the year. Like many native wildflowers, elder plays an important role in the ecosystem and brings a touch of seasonal magic to our hedgerows and gardens. At My Square Metre, we believe that reconnecting with nature through simple, joyful activities like foraging and cooking is a powerful way to appreciate the value of biodiversity and to protect it for future generations.
