10 Elderflower Recipes and Uses (2024)

FAQs

What does elderflower pair with? ›

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).

Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with ELDERFLOWER. Elderflower might decrease blood sugar levels. Diabetes medications are also used to lower blood sugar. Taking elderflower along with diabetes medications might cause your blood sugar to drop too low.

The most common uses are for colds and flu, sinus infections, and other respiratory disturbances. As a supplement, elderflower also has diuretic and laxative properties and is helpful in relieving occasional constipation.

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.

Elderflower is delicious mixed into cakes, tarts, trifles and jams. It pairs particularly well with tart fruits such as rhubarb and gooseberries. From casual nibbles to celebratory showstoppers, we have a whole host of fantastic floral recipes.

Elderflowers are ready around late May to mid-June. They're best picked when the buds are freshly open on a warm, dry, sunny day, well away from traffic fumes. Give them a shake to remove any insects and rinse briefly in cold water before using.

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 are the magical uses of elderflower? ›

Helps us move through issues quickly, helping to speed emotional and psychic healing. Helps cool anger and ground the spirit. Assists in opening the heart in a protective way after a traumatic or abusive event. Very supportive in times of transition and renowned for mental and emotional stress.

With their ability to boost blood circulation and their high content of essential vitamins and minerals, elderflowers powerfully deliver intense nutrition to your scalp and the follicles of your hair. This makes your scalp healthy and also strengthens and improves the quality of your hair.

The blooms and berries have been relied upon by communities for thousands of years. During the Roman era, ointments were made from ground elder roots. In medieval times, people believed witches could turn themselves into elder trees, and the trees were also said to protect against dark witchcraft and evil spirits.

Elderflower is a creamy, white flower found on the black elder tree. It's often used medicinally. 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.

The flowers and berries are the only edible part of the plant. They are mildly toxic and have an unpleasant taste when raw. Cooking destroys the toxic chemicals. Elderflowers are ready around late May to mid-June.

Take blooms during a cool part of the day and keep harvested flowers out of the sun. Simply clasp your fingers at the base of the flower cluster and pull. This will avoid much of the stem. However, if picking elderflowers for fritters, snip the umbel off with enough stem to hang onto when dipping into batter.

Elderflower tea is high in Vitamin C. Just like you take the elderberry syrup at the first sign of a cold, elderflower tea can be used for sinuses, colds, and the flu. Make sure you talk to your physician and see if it's a good choice based on your personal health condition. Elderflower tea is very easy to make.