/elderflower-recipes/
Here are some elderflower recipes and tips for harvesting this British botanical
It is no doubt that you have probably seen elderflowers begin to bloom in abundance in the hedgerows and gardens across the UK. June is typically the best time to collect elderflowers meaning that now is the perfect time to get outside and start foraging for this fresh and fragrant botanical to include in some of our favourite elderflower recipes.
With elderflower being one of the seven botanicals infused in our multi-award-winning vodka, Botanic No7, this is precisely what we’ll be doing right now at Gattertop!
Uniquely fresh, fruity, and slightly floral with subtle notes of pear, and lychee; elderflower is a versatile hedgerow harvest from which many recipes can be achieved. With a flavour profile synonymous with the British summertime, do not miss out on the chance to collect some elderflowers from your local hedgerow and get creative with this seasonal flavour.
So, if you’re looking for elderflower recipes or some top tips on how and when to pick this British botanical look no further!
TIPS FOR PICKING ELDERFLOWERS
TIP 1:
It is best to gather elderflower heads on a sunny, dry morning before the insects harvest the pollen as their aroma fades by the afternoon.
TIP 2:
It is best to find elder trees that are not positioned on busy roads and try to avoid picking flowers that are lower down on the tree as they are more likely to have been peed on by dogs or foxes.
TIP 3:
Avoid flowers that smell of urine as this indicates that they’re past their best time to harvest.
TIP 4:
When cutting the elderflowers from the tree, cut the flower heads with as little branch as possible so that the plant is not damaged.
TIP 5:
Before using pick off any insects, but do not run the flowers under a tap as you will wash the natural yeasts off.
Elderflower recipes: HOMEMADE ELDERFLOWER Cordial
While this is a simple process, making an elderflower syrup will take a few days so be sure to plan ahead.
Here is everything you need to make 800ml of elderflower syrup to use in cocktails, top English sparkling wine, sweeten your lemonade, or make ice pops with. The possibilities are endless and now is the time to get creative!
Ingredients:
- 650g Granulated sugar
- 430ml Water
- 23g Citric acid
- 15 Large elderflower heads
Method:
- Remove all insects from the flowers. Do not wash them as they will lose their flavour.
- Combine sugar, water and citric acid in a large saucepan on medium heat until the sugar has dissolved.
- Remove from heat and allow the syrup to cool to room temperature.
- Trim any remaining thick stems from the head of the elderflower.
- Immerse the blossoms in the syrup and cover the saucepan with a lid or tea towel.
- Steep the syrup for 48 either in a cool place or in the fridge, stirring once a day.
- Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh derive lined with a cheesecloth into a glass bottle or jar.
If bottled correctly, using tight screw tops the cordial will keep for up to a year.
We recommend enjoying your homemade elderflower cordial in some of our favourite easy summer cocktail recipes this year!
