10 Elderflower Recipes and Uses (2024)

FAQs

What can you do with elderflowers? ›

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.

Elderflower tends to mix better with light-coloured fruits such as pear, apple and white grapes. Strong berry flavours such as raspberry, blackberry and blackcurrant can overwhelm elderflower liqueurs with only its honeyed sweetness contributing to such drinks, its floral flavours smothered by these dark fruits.

Elderflower is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when used in excessive amounts. Some parts of the elderflower plant contain a cyanide-producing chemical which can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Cooking removes this chemical. Not enough is known about the safety of applying elderflower directly to the skin.

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).

Stay on the safe side and avoid use. Diabetes: There is a concern that elderflower might lower blood sugar levels. If taken with diabetes medications, it might make blood sugar levels go too low. If you have diabetes and use elderflower, be sure to monitor your blood sugar levels carefully.

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.

There is evidence to suggest elderflower is great for heart health and may even help lower “bad cholesterol”. It has been proven to help lower blood glucose too and mild cases of hypertension or pre-hypertension. Elderflower is thought to have calming properties and can help with anxiety and depression.

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.

Depending upon where you live, elderflowers are at their peak in late spring to early summer. In most regions, mid-June seems to be the best time for picking. If left to their own devices, the flowers will turn into delicious, dark purple berries around August, which must be cooked to remove cyanidin glycoside.

Pour the two litres of boiling water over the elderflowers, cover the container, and then leave the mixture to infuse for 24 hours. After 24 hours strain the liquid into a large saucepan through a sieve lined with a clean piece of muslin or a tea towel, this will help strain out any remaining bugs or bits of pollen.

What is the flavor of elderflower? ›

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.

It has been used for amulets, yet was prohibited for cradles, burning, and boatmaking, and said to bring bad luck to bring the flowers indoors (like hawthorn), yet green elder branches were buried in a grave to protect from evil spirits. Like many other materials with ritual power, it had to be carefully handled.

Elderflower contains natural emollients that condition and soften hair, reducing frizz and adding shine to dull hair.

They contain a variety of antioxidants (including vitamin C), and are often used to treat respiratory illnesses – from colds to sinusitis. They are also thought to contain antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. There are over 25 species of the elder plant around the world, with berries that vary in colour.

By itself, the elderflower flavor profile is described as a uniquely fresh, fruity, green and slightly floral with subtle pear, lychee and tropical nuances.

The flowers can be covered in batter and made into fritters, soaked in water to make a drink or dried flowers can be used to make a pleasant tea. The fruits are popularly cooked or made into syrups for pies, jams, jellies, sauces and other desserts.

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.

This quarantees the easy mixability with sparkling wine/Champagne, or enjoyed chilled by itself!