From Garden to Plate – Elderflowers

We are so lucky that we have the most wonderful Pink Elderflower bush in our garden.

Every year, we make a big batch of elderflower cordial.

Such a wonderful and versatile thing to have in the cupboard. It adds the most summery fragrance to drinks, dressings, cakes and more.

Elder Flower Cordial

• 1k /2 ¼ lbs sugar
• 1.5 litres / 6 cups boiling water
• 4 medium lemons, washed
• 30 large Elderflower heads, shake to remove any insects
• 55g / 2 oz citric acid (available from a chemist)

– Boil water and sugar. Stir occasionally until sugar has melted.

– Finely grate the lemon rind. Add to sugar water.

– Slice lemons in thick slices. Add to sugar water.

– Add Ascorbic Acid if available. Otherwise replace with lemon juice.

– Make sure the elder flowers are clear of creepy crawlies by lightly shake them. Do not wash the flowers as this will get rid of all the taste. Add to water.

– Stir it all in. Take off the heat and let it rest for 48 hours under a tea towel.

– Strain and bottle into sterilised bottles.

– Done. The Cordial will keep for several weeks in a dark cool place.

– Use in refreshing drinks, cakes, dressings …. etc.

Elderflower Vinaigrette

• 1/2 cup elderflower cordial
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tsp honey

Put it all into a jar with lid. Shake for a minute or so and done ! Great with simple mixed salad leaves or with pea-shoots, radish salad.

Elderflower Sorbet

• 750g (1lb 10oz) caster sugar
• Zest and juice of 2 lemons
• 10 elderflower heads
• 1 Litre Water

– Place sugar and water in large pan on medium heat. Stir occasionally until sugar is melted.

– Boil mixture for 6 minutes. Remove from heat.

– Add lemon zest, lemon juice and elderflowers. Stir.

– Let it rest overnight.

– Strain through cheese cloth into a big bowl.

-Put into ice cream maker if you have one. If not, freeze the liquid in a large plastic tub with lid.

– If making sorbet without ice-cream maker, stir mixture when it starts to freeze (about 1,5 hour) then stir every hour for 5-6 hours.

Decorate with some fresh flowers, slice of lemon or a mint leaf. Enjoy !

Here are some other fabulous Elderflower recipes that you may want to try:

Gooseberry and Elderflower Honey cake

Elderflower and Lime Cheesecake

Gooseberry and Elderflower Preserve

Credit: Woman & Home, About Food, Delia online, The Simple Things Magazine,