Elderflower Recipes ~ Weekend Homesteader

Elderflower Recipes

Elderflowers, the delicate, creamy-white flowers of the elderberry plant (Sambucus nigra), are known for their sweet, fragrant aroma and have been used in traditional and modern recipes across the globe. Their peak season is late spring to early summer, and they are celebrated for their versatility in the kitchen.

Here are a few delightful elderflower creations and brief recipes to inspire your culinary explorations:

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Elderflower Cordial

Ingredients:

20-30 elderflower heads, gently rinsed
4 cups of sugar
2 tablespoons of citric acid
2 lemons, sliced
1.3 quarts (1.25 liters) of boiling water

Instructions:

Place the elderflower heads and lemon slices in a large bowl.
Sprinkle the sugar and citric acid over the flowers and lemons.
Pour boiling water over the mixture, ensuring all the sugar dissolves.
Cover and allow to infuse for 24-48 hours.
Strain the mixture through a muslin cloth or fine sieve into sterilized bottles.
Store in the refrigerator and dilute with water or sparkling water to serve.

Elderflower Fritters

Ingredients:

10-12 elderflower heads
1 cup of flour
1 tablespoon of sugar (optional)
1 egg
1¼ cups of sparkling water
Oil for frying
Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

Mix flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt in a bowl.
Add the egg and gradually mix in the sparkling water to form a light batter.
Heat oil in a deep fryer or deep pan to 375°F (190°C).
Dip each elderflower head into the batter, ensuring it's well-coated.
Fry in the hot oil until golden brown, then drain on paper towels.
Dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately.

Elderflower Tea

Ingredients:

Fresh or dried elderflower heads
Boiling water

Instructions:

Place a couple of elderflower heads in a teapot.
Pour boiling water over the flowers and let steep for 5-10 minutes.
Strain and enjoy, adding honey or lemon to taste if desired.

Elderflower Champagne

Ingredients:

15-20 elderflower heads
2 lemons, juice and zest
2 tablespoons of white wine vinegar
1½ pounds of sugar
1 gallon of water
A pinch of yeast (optional)

Instructions:

In a large container, dissolve sugar in water.
Add elderflower heads, lemon juice and zest, and vinegar.
Cover and let sit for 24 hours. If using yeast, add it after this period and mix well.
Strain the liquid through a muslin cloth into sterilized, sealable bottles. Leave space at the top for gas to expand.
Seal and let ferment in a cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks until lightly carbonated.
Refrigerate before serving to stop fermentation.

Elderflower Jelly

Ingredients:

25 elderflower heads
2¾ cups of apple juice
Juice of 2 lemons
1 package of pectin
3½ cups of sugar

Instructions:

Steep elderflower heads in hot apple juice overnight.
Strain the mixture, then add lemon juice and pectin.
Bring to a boil, add sugar, and return to a rolling boil.
Boil hard for 1 minute, then pour into sterilized jars and seal.

NOTE:

When creating elderflower fritters, a common recipe involves dipping the whole flower heads in batter and frying them. However, if you're working with a recipe that requires a specific amount of elderflower without specifying the number of heads, or if you're using elderflower in a different form (such as dried or as a concentrate), an equivalent measurement might be helpful.

For frying purposes, when using whole fresh elderflower heads, there isn't a direct volumetric or weight equivalent because the size of the flower heads can vary significantly. However, if you're looking for a general guideline or need to substitute with dried elderflowers for a recipe (though the texture and experience will differ), consider the following:

1 fresh elderflower head is roughly equivalent to 1-2 teaspoons of dried elderflowers in terms of flavor intensity.

This estimate is based on the general principle that dried herbs and flowers have a more concentrated flavor than their fresh counterparts. However, it's important to note that fried elderflower fritters typically rely on the fresh flowers both for their flavor and for their unique texture and presentation. Using dried elderflowers would not be suitable for this specific dish but might work in recipes where elderflowers are infused, such as in syrups or teas.

For recipes that call for elderflower flavor without specifying using the heads directly, elderflower cordial or syrup can be a convenient alternative, where a tablespoon of cordial can substitute the flavor essence of a couple of fresh elderflower heads, depending on the recipe's desired intensity.

These recipes highlight the delightful, aromatic flavor of elderflowers, transforming them into delicious treats that can be enjoyed throughout the year. Whether you're making a refreshing summer drink, a delightful snack, or a unique homemade champagne, elderflowers offer a special touch to your culinary creations.

To Order dried (organic) Elderflowers, we recommend this brand on Amazon.

Guess what? Our blog is like a magical treasure chest, but instead of gold and jewels, it's filled with links that lead to awesome products we love and recommend. When you click on these enchanted links and decide to buy something, we might earn a small bounty, at no extra cost to you. It's our way of keeping the adventure going and bringing you even more fantastic content. So, thank you for supporting our quest and happy treasure hunting!