Monday 30 May 2011

Elderflower picking


I hope you've all had a good weekend!

Over the bank holiday weekend, we did some elderflower picking. We have several elderflower shrubs around us. As I was in search of the very best flowers, it meant picking them from several different shrubs.



Alan was on hand to help me access those more awkward branches or clear paths full of stinging nettles...









Once home, I set about making some elderflower cordial. I didn't have any citric acid so doubled the amount of lemons I used. Will see how it turns out...


Another 24 hours to go and it will be ready. I made it last night and already the scent is so beautiful.
I can't wait to bottle it and try it out....

A bientôt!

Isabelle X

27 comments:

Unknown said...

Have not heard of this ... interesting. Love your photos.

Have a fabulous week ~
TTFN ~
Hugs,
Marydon

Wendy said...

Wonderful!

The last two years we have wanted to make elderflower cordial and have not got around to it but this year I am determined to do it.

I think part of the procrastination has been because we have to go the chemist to buy citric acid. (somebody told me that this is what junkies use and pharmacists can be reluctant to sell it - but I don't know if that's true.)

Your photos are beautiful.

Sarah said...

I fancy making some - how do you tell if they are the best flowers?

S x

fabriquefantastique said...

Mouthwatering...

Marigold Jam said...

I have made this in the past but last time I made any it didn't keep properly so I'd suggest keeping it in the fridge unless you want to drink it straightaway! It is really lovely though especially if you dilute it with sparkling spring water and seve it with a slice of lemon. Might give it another try this year.

elegancemaison said...

Your photos are so beautiful and evocative Isabelle! I hope your Elderflower cordial turns out well. If so would you give us your recipe please? I have left it too late for this year as the flowers on our nearby bush are now over. I am puzzled by comments about citric acid and junkies. I used tartaric acid years ago for homemade lemonade and can't believe that Boots etc won't sell it these days. The world has gone mad. Cx

Vintage Sunday said...

Such beautiful photos dear Isabelle! I'm sure the cordial will work out just fine ~ looks so lovely! Love Brenda

Rubyred said...

Elderflower cordial sound delightful, I might try to make some this year!
Have a lovely week!
Rachel x

KC'sCourt! said...

Mine are ready at the bottom of the garden, I keep saying I'm going to make some Elderflower Cordial.
Julie xxxxxxxx

ted and bunny said...

I just love poaching rhubarb and/or gooseberries in elderflower cordial- like a taste of heaven!
xx

Een sneller kloppend hart said...

These pictures are looking so cosy and country-stylish :) I love it...the first picture is just gorgeous with the lemons, basket and flowers, wauw!

Huggs, Veronique

bellaboo said...

I'm sure your cordial will be wonderful and refreshing.The brewery near us was asking people to collect elderflowers for a beer they were making,in return for a free pint or two! :0)

Vintage Jane said...

Gorgeous. I'm hoping to get some elderflowers this weekend. Tried to get some yesterday but they were all too wet. Perfect drink on a warm summer's day. x

The Vintage Knitter said...

I always make enough elderflower cordial to last me a year and have just finished 2010's final bottle. I'll start on this year's batch this weekend, if there's no rain. I had a go at making rhubarb cordial a few weeks ago, so I'm hoping that it'll mature into a nice drink.

salty pebble said...

wonderful, just wonderful isabelle, such lovely photos, i bet it will taste just perfect...enjoy!! xx

Lululiz said...

I used to make elderflower cordial when the boys were little and they loved it! Might just have to have another go this week, as I loved it just as much.

LandGirl1980 said...

I do love a good bit of elderflower :)

A garden just outside Venice said...

Just realised what "elderflower" mean! When I was a child I used to have them fried with a sprinkle of sugar on!

Bleudelavande said...

Oooohhh I adore the elderflowers!!!!Unfortunately here, in the south of Italy we haven't any shrubs, but we have a lot of lemons!!!!
I don't know the elderflowers cordial!?!
Big hugs to you Isabelle.

Gigi said...

How lovely! I'm now wishing we had elder flowers in my part of the world.

Karen said...

This is just what we have been doing today and the kitchen smells wonderful. I never use citric acid but results are good and last year I froze some of the syrup in ice-cube trays to preserve it for longer. Hope you are having a lovely half-term. Karen X

SmitoniusAndSonata said...

If the last photo is anything to by , it'll be a great success !

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

Another lovely post!

Elderflower cordial. I was thinking of the name as Elderflower wine. Never had it but it sounds delightful.

She-who-still-can't-make-my-preferred-pics-post. But I think its my issue and not Blogger, this time.
~♥~

flowers on my table said...

Oh lovely, I love elderflower anything. Your photos are delightful, love Linda x

ravensdotter said...

You have wild strawberries ripe! We usually do here by now, but it has been a long cold spring in the Pacific Northwest part of Washington. I searched on Saturday and found only flowers.
I enjoy your blog, and the photos are wonderful. What a beautiful part of the world you live in!
Sarah

Josephine Tale Peddler said...

Beautiful photos as always, Isabelle. I hope your brew turned out beautifully. xx

Pomona said...

We have just been using the same - we use tartaric acid as preservative. I just love the scent of fresh elderflower cordial - heavenly!

Pomona x