Elderflower blossom is just perfect for picking at the moment. Picking is best done on a sunny morning, when the blossom is fresh and the fragrance is at it's peak. Only pick flower heads that are freshly opened, there will be a later crop of elderberries on the ones that have gone over.
Nothing goes to waste in nature.
You will need...
Sterilised bottles with tight fitting caps.
A large saucepan, bowl and sieve
Muslin to cover and drain
Wooden Spoon
Ingredients:
40 Elderflower heads (unpolluted - picked away from traffic and agricultural land where sprays may have been used)
2 litres of Fresh Spring Water
2.5 kg Granulated Sugar
75 gms Citric Acid (available from pharmacists)
5 Unwaxed Lemons
Method:
Boil the water and add the sugar, stirring occasionally as it heats to help it dissolve.
Shake the flower heads to dislodge any insects and place them in a large bowl.
Pare wide strips of rind off the lemons and slice, add to elderflower heads.
When the sugar is completely dissolved remove from heat and pour over the lemons and flower heads, stir in the citric acid. Cover with muslin and stand at room temperature for at least 24 hours to allow it infuse.
Essential for a Good Elderflower Cordial:
During the standing period - lift the muslin, take a quick peek and a deep breath - enjoy! Re-cover.
Drain and Bottle:
Line a large sieve with the muslin, pour the infusion through and bottle the liquid.
This cordial captures the essence of summer and will hold for a year at least.
Use:
Enjoy the summer with each glass, diluted at approx 5:1 or to taste.
The cordial will only be as good as the ingredients used so only use freshly picked unpolluted flower heads.
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I'll bottle what is probably the last batch of Elderflower Cordial this evening and will make a conserve from the fruit which is left over after the bottling.
Today's lunch was a quickie, made from left-overs found in the fridge. Easy and made in moments
