Depending on where you are in the country, the elderflowers will be beginning to bloom over the next few weeks. So why not pop out in the sunshine for a spot of foraging and make yourself some scrummy Elderflower Cordial?
Here’s my recipe and photos from last year’s batch:
To make 2 x 750ml bottles you will need:
1kg sugar
15-20 elderflower heads
1 orange
1 lemon
1-2 limes
Method:
Put 1.5l water and sugar into a saucepan and dissolve before bringing to the boil.
Add the elderflowers. Bring to the boil. Remove from the heat immediately. Leave to steep for approx 12 hours.
Bring the cordial to the boil. Roughly slice the fruit. Add to the pan. Take off the heat and leave for a further 12 hours (no longer).
Strain through a muslin cloth and pour into warm sterilised bottles.
Keep on the fridge or pasteurise by boiling filled bottles for 20 minutes.
Liz Berwick: Feeding the soul 