Elderflower cordial

“Summer has not arrived until elderflower is in full bloom and ends when the berries are ripe”.

Or so the saying goes! The elderflowers are in blossom right now and smell divine. These creamy white or pink flowers contain compounds which are anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic and can act to soothe inflamed tissues in the upper respiratory tract and sinuses - ideal for hay fever season!

I’m not sure my Ayurvedic doctor would think this the best tonic for a pitta person given the use of lemons and citric acid, but this cordial tastes amazing!

You are best to harvest the elderflowers on a sunny day when their fragrance, flavour and compounds are at their peak. Don’t wash the flower but do shake the insects gently from them.

Ingredients

30 large elderflowers

6 lemons cut into quarters

2oz citric acid

2lb granulated sugar

3 pints of boiling water

Method

Put everything in a plastic bucket or a large glass bowl. Pour over the boiling water. Stir well until the sugar is dissolved. Leave for 24 hours and strain through muslin or a clean J Cloth into sterilised bottles.

It should keep for years!

Enjoy!