Forage & Gather - Elderflower Cordial
A delicious cordial that's been delighting us for centuries!
Today, I'm weaving a bit of herbal/floral magic with an elderflower cordial recipe, passed down to me by my dear old friend Jane. The elderberry flower, with its delicate, creamy-white blossoms, possesses an unusual beauty that always captivates me. Arranged in lush, flat-topped clusters, these delicate flowers exude a subtly sweet and musky fragrance, evoking the essence of summer meadows full of freshly cut hay and gentle breezes. This enchanting aroma not only delights my senses senses but also invites a variety of pollinators, playing a vital role in the ecology of their surroundings. The visual and aromatic appeal of fresh elderberry flowers makes them not just a joy to behold but also a favored ingredient in culinary and traditional medicinal practices, celebrated for both their aesthetic and health-promoting properties. Elderflowers, with their delicate snowy blossoms, have been revered in traditional German medicine for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties, making them a cherished remedy for warding off colds and flu through the ages.
Elderflower has long been cherished in traditional herbal medicine as a remedy particularly beneficial for women's health issues, prized for its gentle, supportive properties throughout the ages. Traditionally used to enhance skin health, elderflower's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities help maintain a youthful complexion and combat signs of aging. Beyond skincare, it eases water retention and promotes detoxification, providing relief during the hormonal fluctuations of menstruation and menopause. Its calming effects also soothe the nervous system, addressing indigestion, stress and anxiety—common concerns among women facing hormonal challenges.
Although not widely recognized as a primary remedy for menopause, elderflower offers substantial benefits during this transformative phase. It can soothe joint pain and swelling, bolster the immune system against hormonal impacts, and protect against oxidative stress with its rich antioxidant content. Additionally, as a mild diuretic, elderflower helps reduce bloating, while its relaxing properties alleviate menopause-related stress and anxiety symptoms. Integrating elderflower into a holistic approach, combined with other targeted treatments and lifestyle adjustments, can significantly enhance overall wellness during menopause.
My elderberry has completely exploded with flowers this year so I couldn’t resist making a huge batch of this delightful cordial. In this recipe, I've infused ginger root, cinnamon and turmeric for their robust health benefits and a dash of spice that complements the gentle sweetness of the elderflowers. Here's how this potion comes together: Start by bringing 7 cups of spring water to a boil, then dissolve into it 2 pounds of sugar and a cup of honey to create a syrup. To this, add the zest and slices of about four lemons, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, cinnamon sticks and slices of ginger and turmeric root for that extra zing. Use your own judgment on the quantity of added spice! Also, I know that it sounds like a lot of sugar, but you’re not going to drink that much of this in one sitting, so I say go ahead and indulge!
Next, gently stir in about 40 elderflower heads, freshly shaken to free any little critters and snipped right near the flowers to include only the tiniest bits of stem. This step is crucial, as the elderberry plant harbors a cyanide-inducing glycoside in its more substantial stems and leaves which can be harmful in large amounts. By trimming close to the flower heads, I ensure the safest and purest infusion.
Once the elderflowers are submerged, cover the brew with a clean linen towel and let it steep in a quiet corner of your kitchen for 48 hours, stirring now and then to mingle the flavors beautifully. When the time is right, strain the mixture and pour it into bottles to freeze, or seal it in mason jars using a hot water bath canning method.
Serve this enchanting cordial stirred into sparkling water, drizzled over lemon sorbet, or blended into a classic vodka or gin based soda. Or perhaps, like Jane, you might enjoy it simply sipped from a pretty cordial glass, savoring the taste of summer any time of year. Each sip is a reminder of sunlit days and the power of nature’s gifts, captured in a bottle to enjoy when the air turns crisp, or whenever you wish to recall the warmth of the garden.
I hope you’ll whip up a batch for yourself and share how you like to enjoy it the most!
Sending warmth from the garden,
Beth
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