Showering Elderflowers.
Elder is an amazing plant. If you don't know a whole lot about it, read on! Elderflower was historically used to reduce inflammation and as an antiseptic. It's most commonly used for helping ease colds, flu, respiratory problems, allergies, and even sinus infections. Elderflower has antibacterial and antiviral properties which also help to boost the functioning of the immune system. It is naturally containing laxative properties to help relieve the occasional constipation. The flower can be made into a tea and used orally as an antiseptic mouthwash. Traditionally Elderflowers are also used for treating fevers in children.
Elderflowers are rich in bioflavonoids mostly flavones and flavonols which are known for their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. They contain triterpenoids which are helpful as an anti-inflammatory and as an analgesic. Both the flowers and berries in the Elder plant can be used when PROPERLY prepared, but all leaves, sticks, and roots should be avoided.
Now that you have a brief understanding of just how amazing these plants are, lets get started! I have been having fun making new recipes with the fresh Elderflower I have had around! I have three recipes for you to try and I think you will love all of them!
Enjoy!!!
*At the time that I wrote this blog, it was late Spring. Right now you can still purchase Elderflower that is dried but finding it fresh will be unlikely at this time. Gather your fresh Elderflowers in June when they are blooming!
Elderflower Cordial Recipe
INGREDIENTS
25 fresh elderflower heads
2 1/2 lbs of sugar
2 thinly sliced oranges
2 thinly sliced Meyer lemons
DIRECTION
Put 1 quart of water and the sugar in a pot and warm slowly, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
When dissolved, bring to the boil.
Remove from the heat and add the fruit and flowers, stir and leave covered in a cool place for 24 hours to infuse.
When time comes strain the cordial into clean bottles, refrigerate and use within two weeks.
*this Cordial is great to mix into teas, juice, cocktails, pour on desserts, or turn into an ice cube to throw in your Bellini or white wine!
Elder & Oats. A nourishing morning porridge.
INGREDIENTS
One handful Blueberries
Chia seeds
Dash of Cinnamon
1/8 cup Vanilla nut milk
(or desired amount)
Drizzle of Maple syrup
1 Tbsp. Elderflower
1/2 cup Oats
1 cup Water
1/8 tsp. salt
1 Tbsp. Coconut oil
1 Tbsp. Goji berries
1/4 tsp. Local bee pollen
One handful Raspberries
DIRECTIONS
Mix together the oats, water, salt, and coconut oil into a small saucepan and cook on medium heat.
Stir the mixture until it begins to bubble and the oats soften. This should take about 5 minutes and the mixture should look thick and creamy. Add more milk or water if you prefer a thinner oatmeal.
Add in the berries and 1/2 of the elderflower
Pour the cooked oats into a bowl. Drizzle with your milk, maple syrup, bee pollen, chia seeds, and cinnamon and remainder of your Elderflower.
Orange and Elderflower Vodka
INGREDIENTS
Elderflower
Vodka
Orange peel
Sugar
DIRECTIONS
Snip the flowers from a bag of elderflower heads getting rid of as many of the stalks as you can.
Pack them into a jar
Add a few curls of orange zest on top to stop the flowers being on top.
Fill to the very top with vodka.
Screw the lid on tightly and put it somewhere dark.
Shake once or twice a day.
If possible make sure no blooms are sticking out of the liquid or they will brown.
After 4-5 days sieve out the flowers and orange.
Filter out tiny creatures or petals by pouring it through a cheese cloth
Put it back into the jar and add at least ½ a cup of sugar per quart of liquid.
Shake and leave to dissolve for a few hours.
Enjoy!
