Discovering the Delightful Elderflower: Where to find it and how to forage for it!
It is just entering peak Elderflower season here in Europe and I needed to share my thoughts on this gem of a wild food.
Have you ever stumbled upon a beautiful cluster of delicate, star-shaped flowers while exploring the great outdoors? Chances are, you may have come across the enchanting elderflower and the smell is so pungent that it is hard to miss.
These flowers not only captivate with their ethereal beauty but also offer a range of culinary possibilities. Unravel the secrets of elderflower foraging this month and learn how to identify and use this delicious gift from nature.
Elderflowers, belonging to the Sambucus genus, can be found in various regions across North America and Europe. These resilient plants thrive in diverse environments, from bustling suburban backyards to serene woodland edges. Spotting elderflowers is like embarking on a treasure hunt as they can be discovered near rivers, creeks, and even alongside busy highways. It is often the first pick for a budding new forager. Although they tolerate a range of lighting conditions, you'll often find them basking in partial shade.
NOTE: While both blue and black elderberry varieties of Elderflowers offer edible flowers and berries, it's crucial to steer clear of the stems and the red elderberries, which are toxic.
Identifying elderflowers is an adventure in itself. These deciduous plants can take the form of small trees with a single trunk or more commonly, multi-trunked shrubs. Due to their tendency to propagate through suckers, elderflowers often grow in clumps, especially in shaded areas. When you cut their stems, you'll discover they are hollow.
To ensure you've found the right plant, pay attention to the leaves. Some varieties (like the one in my local park) boast striking black and lacy leaves, adding an extra touch of elegance to your botanical exploration.
One of the most captivating features of this plant is their remarkable flower heads. As the flowers bloom, they face the sun, embracing its warm rays. However, with the passage of time, they gracefully turn downward, preparing for the berries to emerge and develop their juicy sweetness.
If the idea of gathering your own elderflowers for culinary delights entices you, we've got you covered. Here's a simple guide to foraging elderflowers:
Arm yourself with a pair of sharp scissors
Locate the flower heads and carefully snip them just below where the small stems meet the main stem. Avoid collecting too much of the green stem, as it can have a slightly bitter taste and toxic.
Remember to gather only a few flower heads from each tree, allowing the remaining ones to mature into delightful berries. This ensures a vital food source for birds, mammals, and insects later in the summer.
To carry your precious harvest, an old carrier bag works wonders, keeping the flowers protected and your hands free to continue exploring nature's wonders.
As you embark on your elderflower foraging journey, enjoy experimenting with the fragrant flowers. From delightful cordials and refreshing teas to luscious desserts and aromatic syrups, the possibilities for using elderflowers are endless. So, next time you find yourself near a riverside or exploring a secluded woodland, keep your eyes peeled for elderflowers.
Elderflower Recipes
You will find recipes for Eldercordial dotted all over the internet but a simple one is sugar, citric acid (try the local health store), elderflowers and lemon skins. See BBC food recipe here.
For something a little different why not try our our Elderflower and Lime Granita recipe. Gin lovers will enjoy this one or an Elderflower cocktail with pine needle juice. Both of these are tried and tested by me!
That is a short update from me for now. As always, send your adventures in nature and wild food experiments my way. The next newsletter with coastal foraging tips, recipes and more will be out on June 2nd. Happy Foraging everyone!