Elderflower Cordial

I never saw a discontented tree. They grip the ground as though they liked it, and though fast rooted they travel about as far as we do.
John Muir

Returning home the flowers would be laid out on a specially made tray with a thin nylon mesh base. This would be set over the AGA where the warmth from below would dry out the herbs producing a sweet, gentle aroma that would fill the house.

The dried herbs would then be made into a tincture for medicinal uses. I remember being given a soothing warm drink of Elderflower, honey and other herbs if I had a virus or respiratory illness. It would help to produce a sweat, allowing the body to heal.

Elderflower is used for:

• Sinusitis
• Influenza
• Bronchitis
• Inducing sweating as a diaphoretic
• Rheumatism
• Constipation

Elderflower Cordial

Ingredients

About 20 Elderflower heads

4 unwaxed lemons (grated zest and juice of)

1.5 litres of water

1 kilo sugar

1 heaped tsp of citric acid (optional)

Method

Place the cleaned Elderflower heads in a bowl with the grated lemon zest and pour over 1.5 litres of boiled water.

Stir, cover and leave for about 24 hours.

Strain the liquid through a piece of muslin into a saucepan, and add the sugar, lemon juice and citric acid if using.

Heat gently to dissolve the sugar, bring to a simmer, turn off the heat and pour into sterilised bottles.