Elderflowers

Elderflowers are the small white to cream-coloured blossoms of the black elder tree (Sambucus nigra), harvested in spring when they are in full bloom. They have a delicate, sweetly floral aroma and a lightly honeyed flavour with a herbal undertone. In the kitchen, they are used to make elderflower cordial, lemonade, tea and to flavour desserts, ice cream or panna cotta. Fresh flower heads can also be dipped in batter and deep-fried as a seasonal treat. Dried elderflowers are added to herbal tea blends. They contain flavonoids and essential oils and have a long tradition in folk medicine. Harvest when the whole umbels are fully open.