Elderflower

What Is Elderflower?

Elderflower is the wide clusters of small white-cream colored flowers that bloom on the elder tree/shrub (Sambucus nigra) in late spring. It grows naturally in many regions of Europe and Anatolia.

The flowers stay fresh for only a short time after blooming; that's why the harvest season is limited to May-June. Its aroma carries intense floral-honey notes, and its taste is mildly sweet.

Nutritional Values of Elderflower

100 grams of dried elderflower contains approximately 40 kcal of energy; it carries a trace amount of vitamin C. When turned into syrup, its calorie value increases significantly due to the added sugar. Values are approximate.

How Should Elderflower Be Consumed?

Elderflower is consumed as part of a balanced diet, in measured amounts as a tea and syrup flavoring.

This information is general; elderflower is a food and is not a substitute for medical treatment. Since the raw fruit and other green parts of the elder plant contain different compounds, only the flower part should be considered for this use.

How to Choose Elderflower?

A good elderflower is one with a white-cream color (not darkened), an intense floral-fresh aroma, and undropped pollen. Yellowed or browned flowers have lost their freshness.

• Color should be white-cream, not darkened
• Aroma should be intensely floral-fresh
• Stems should be green-fresh (for fresh harvest)

How to Store Elderflower?

Dried elderflower can be kept in a closed container in a cool, dark place for months; fresh flowers should be processed shortly after harvesting since they wilt and darken quickly.

Using Elderflower in the Kitchen

Elderflower is most often used in making syrup/cordial (boiled with sugar, lemon, and water, then strained), in herbal tea, and in some cocktail-sherbet recipes.

How Is Elderflower Syrup Made?

Fresh flowers are added to boiling sugar syrup and left to steep for a few hours to overnight, then strained and bottled with lemon juice added.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are elderflower and elderberry used for the same purpose?

No; the flower and the ripe berry are used in different recipes. The berry is generally used in jam and syrup making, while the flower is more often preferred for cordial and tea.

Can elderflower be picked at home?

Yes, elderflowers growing in the wild can be picked, but it is recommended to pick them from clean areas free of traffic/pollution, once the flowers have fully bloomed.

Is elderflower found in Turkey?

It can be found dried at herbalists and spice shops; it also grows naturally in some regions.