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
You can also make elderflower tea from an infusion of the fresh flowers. Add a couple of sprigs of elderflower when cooking fruit for tarts and crumbles (removing them at the end) for a delicate summery flavour. Or, stir a few flowers into cake and muffin mixtures to give them a light, sweet scent.
What are the disadvantages of elderflower? ›
The combination product can cause digestive system upset and sometimes allergic skin rash. Elderflower is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when used in excessive amounts. Some parts of the elder tree contain a cyanide-producing chemical which can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
What does elderflower do to the body? ›
An extract of the flower is used to make medicine. Elderflower is used for swollen sinuses (sinusitis), colds, influenza (flu), swine flu, bronchitis, diabetes, and constipation. It is also used to increase urine production (as a diuretic), to increase sweating (as a diaphoretic), and to stop bleeding.
What does elderflower pair well with? ›
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.
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.
What is elderflower used for in cooking? ›
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.
Can you eat elderflowers raw? ›
It is best not to eat elderflowers raw, as the plant has a mild toxicity, which is why it is best to cook them or make cordial from them. Some people get an upset stomach from eating elderflowers or elder berries (elder flowers and elder berries come from the same plant).
Is elderflower good for the gut? ›
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.
Which is better elderberry or elderflower? ›
If you're looking for a nutrient rich herb for immune system support that's easy for the whole family to take, then elderberry is the best option. If you're looking to support everyday health and provide your body with a source of natural antioxidants, then elderflower is a great option.
Is elderflower good for kidneys? ›
In a previously published study, we demonstrated nephroprotective effects, in terms of renal function and morphology, for Sambucus nigra L. elderflower extract rich in flavonoids, obtained from the wild specimens of European elder Sambucus nigra L. [10].
Absolutely, you can drink elderflower liqueur straight! If you're new to this, try it chilled or at room temperature in a small, elegant glass. This method lets you savor its aroma and taste in its purest form, creating a delightful sensory experience.
Is elderflower good for hair growth? ›
Hair Growth: The flavonoids in elderflower stimulate blood circulation to the scalp, promoting hair growth and preventing premature hair loss. Scalp Health: Elderflower has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe irritated scalps, reducing dandruff and itchiness.
Does elderflower help with sleep? ›
Elder flower tea may also be useful against insomnia, anxiety and other nervous disorders. The flowers are a significant source of Vitamin C, as well as other antioxidants. The ripe berries also have a laxative effect in small doses, but may cause nausea and vomiting in larger amounts.
Can I drink elderflower everyday? ›
Traditionally herbalists recommend taking elderflowers daily in the allergy season to reduce symptoms. They can also be used topically as they impart anti-inflammatory properties, so they're great for calming irritated skin.
Is elderflower a laxative? ›
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.
How does elderflower make you feel? ›
This powerful herb also contains anti-catarrhal properties that help the body rid itself of excess mucus. Elderflower's anti-inflammatory quality makes it a natural choice for respiratory health. From soothing coughs to relieving sinus congestion, elderflower is a great addition to any respiratory remedy.
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 a superfood? ›
The Elderflower is also packed with bio-flavonoids that help to boost the immune system. Research has shown that Elderflowers are also effective in killing common pathogens. The humble elderberry is perhaps most famously used for the treatment of colds and flu.
What does elderflower do for the skin? ›
Elderflowers reduce inflammation and calm irritated skin with their antiviral benefits. They act as a natural detoxifying agent, preventing skin conditions like breakouts, boils, and scars.
What is elderflower supposed to 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.
Elderflower has a woodsy and floral taste, and their sweetness comes out when elderflower is cooked. Photo courtesy of Shadi via Unsplash. Compared to elderflower, elderberry has a more intense taste: woodsy and floral, with a dark flavor that can be bitter and earthy when the fruit is consumed raw.
Is elderflower drink healthy? ›
Elderflower tea is high in Vitamin C. Just like you take the elderberry syrup at the first sign of a cold, elderflower tea can be used for sinuses, colds, and the flu. Make sure you talk to your physician and see if it's a good choice based on your personal health condition. Elderflower tea is very easy to make.
