If you are wanting to make your own syrup this easy homemade elderflower syrup recipe is sure to be a hit.
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What is Elderflower Syrup?
Elderflower syrup is an herbal syrup made from the flowers of an elder bush.
It’s mostly known for its delicious flavor, but the elderflower is chock full of nutrients and beneficial health properties including boosting the immune system.
Prepare your fresh elderflowers by shaking out debris and removing any bugs. Next trim back as much of the branches off as possible. While elderflowers and their berries are safe to eat and loaded with health benefits, their branches, bark and roots are considered toxic, so it’s best to avoid these parts.
Some people prefer to wash their flowers to help remove dirt and debris. I, however, prefer not to as it removes much of the pollen and flavor of the flowers, along with some of the healthful benefits.
Next put your flowers into a large glass jar cover with water and allow to sit for 24 to 48 hours at room temperature, creating a slow infused elderflower tea.
Once the elderflower tea hasfinished steeping, strain the tea into a large pot. You can compost the flowers, or use them for apretty garnish.
Add in your sugar and lemon juice and heat until sugar has completely melted and your syrup is clear. If you want to preserve your syrup for longer than one month, now is the time to add in your food grade citric acid.
Next, pour your elderflower syrup into very clean jars and store up to 1 month in the fridge. If you added the citric acid, it should store well for up to a year.
Prepare your elderflowers by giving them a good shake to remove any bugs or debris. Some people like to gentlywash their flowers to help remove any dirt. However, it’s not necessary to rinse the flowers, and doing so may remove some of the flavor. I like leaving as much as the pollen on in order to get the full health benefits from the elderflower. Then trim the flowers removing as much of the branch as possible, leaving mostly just flowers.
Place your flowers in a large glass jar and fill with your water to cover the elderflowers completely.
Cover your jar and let sit for 24-48 hours at room temperature, creating an elderflower tea.
Now strain yourelderflower tea into a large pot.
Add the sugar and juice from the lemons and heat until the sugar melts and the mixture becomes clear. (If using citric acid you can add it during this step.)
Now you can pour yoursyrup into clean jars and refrigerate. This syrup will last about a month on its own. If using citric acid it should keep for up to a year.
Notes:
If you don’t have access to fresh elderflowers, you could use dried flowers instead, but fresh flowers will be most flavorful.
Citric acid is a food derived preservative commonly used for preserving homemade canned goods. You can find it in most canning food stores or you can get GMO-free citric acid on Amazon.
Ways to Use Herbal Elderflower Syrup
This syrup can be added to many recipes and drinks to give it a beautiful floral flavor and added health benefits.
This syrup can be added to cakes and other baked goods to add a unique flavor.
Add to sparkling water for a yummy, healthier homemade soda
Mix into herbal tea for delicious hot drink
Add to vodka or sparkling wine for a unique spritzer.
Drizzle over vanilla ice cream
Add flavor to plain greek yogurt
Use as a syrup for pancakes or pastries
If you are interested in learning about herbs and how to incorporate them into your everyday life for a fun and delicious way to stay healthy, I highly suggest checking out The Herbal Academy. Taking a few courses from them has completely changed the way I see and use herbs. You can read my full review of their herbal online courses here.
The combination product can cause digestive system upset and sometimes allergic skin rash. Elderflower is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when used in excessive amounts. Some parts of the elder tree contain a cyanide-producing chemical which can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
An extract of the flower is used to make medicine. Elderflower is used for swollen sinuses (sinusitis), colds, influenza (flu), swine flu, bronchitis, diabetes, and constipation. It is also used to increase urine production (as a diuretic), to increase sweating (as a diaphoretic), and to stop bleeding.
The terms elderflower syrup and elderflower cordial are used interchangeably: they both mean a concentrated elderflower extract. This extract can be used in drinks, liqueurs, creams, and any other number of food items as an additional flavor profile and sweetener.
By itself, the elderflower flavor profile is described as a uniquely fresh, fruity, green and slightly floral with subtle pear, lychee and tropical nuances. Such a profile that blends the different (unique floral) with the familiar (pear) and interesting (lychee) is often the foundation for broader appeal.
Elderberry appears to have few side effects when used properly for short periods of time (up to 5 days). Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take elderberry. If you have an autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, ask your doctor before taking elderberry, as it may stimulate the immune system.
Elderberry is known to act as a diuretic and may interfere with medications that are used to increase urination. Someone who is already using medication for this reason, or is already taking a diuretic, should consult with a doctor before taking elderberry syrup.
If you're looking for a nutrient rich herb for immune system support that's easy for the whole family to take, then elderberry is the best option. If you're looking to support everyday health and provide your body with a source of natural antioxidants, then elderflower is a great option.
Elderflowers are also rich in Vitamin A, B and are used for the treatment of colds, flus and hayfever. They help correct kidney functions and also aid to clear catarrh, enhance immunity and cleanse the system.
Think of elderflower syrup as you would rosewater — a little goes a long way. In many cake and pastry recipes, elderflower is used to enhanced whipped cream or buttercream. Like liqueurs, elderflower cordial or syrup can also be poured over a cake to infuse it with flavour.
The lightly sweet nuances of elderflower blend well with many other natural fruit flavors and botanicals, including honey, pear, blackberry, strawberry, grapefruit, orange, lime, passionfruit, ginger, and even herbal flavors like rosemary, basil, and lemongrass.
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.
Are There Elderberry Side Effects? There is a downside to consuming too much elderberry, and that is an upset stomach. Just like with any high fiber fruit, eating too much can cause stomach pain, upset stomach, and diarrhea.
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