Elder - Sambucus Nigra

It’s abundant throughout the UK. You can find elder in woods and along roadside hedgerows. Flowering period is from late May and throughout June, you’ll see masses of tiny white flowers hanging in sprays which develop into purple elderberries later in the summer. It has a strong, sweet and summery fragrance which attracts masses of insects.🐞🦋🐛🐜

💮How to use elderflowers💮

The only edible part of the plant are flowers and berries. They are mildly toxic and have an unpleasant taste when raw. Cooking destroys the toxic chemicals.

Elderflowers are best picked when the buds are freshly open on a warm, dry, sunny day. Pick them up well away from traffic fumes. Give them a shake and good rinse in cold water to remove any insects.

The fragrant flowers are most famous for making perfect summer drinks - elderflower champagne and cordial.

🥂Ready for summer party?🥂

You can get your Organic Elderflower Cordial and/or Wine below.

👇👇👇

🤤Elderflower fritters🤤



Are you fan of elderflower fritters? Yummy! I'm used to eating savory version instead of the sweet one. In Czech Republic we usually eat them with boiled potatoes. I can't go a year without them. I treated myself to a wonderful lunch in late May.

If you have a sweet tooth, why don't you check this recipe below?

🌳Would you like to have your own elder in your garden?🌳

I bought my little Elder plant in a pot two years ago. This year it has started growing rapidly. No elderflowers in sign this year yet. I believe next year they will appear. I can't wait to make my own elderflower fritters from my backyard. Yay!

Just a watchout from me, think carefully where you plant it. Mature elder trees can grow to a height of around 1️⃣5️⃣m and can live for 6️⃣0️⃣ years. This beauty will stay with you all your life. ❤️❤️❤️

If you are in no rush and you'd like to have this healing beauty in your garden you can get your cut-leaved Elder below.

👇👇👇

☕Elderflower tea☕

You can also enjoy fresh elderflower tea or dry the flowers for later use in autumn and winter. If you are under lots of pressure elderflower tea can be your best friend. It supports the nervous system through stressful periods. It can help to soothe nerves and anxiety and may assist in reducing symptoms of depression.

You can check 7 powerful benefits of elderflower tea here.

If you'd like to enjoy your wonderful calming cuppa without the foraging drama, you can get it below.

👇👇👇

Stay tuned! There's much more to do with elderberries later on. Let's enjoy elder flowers first and we can do some messy business with elderberries later.