In Switzerland, elders bloom in May/June and are found on the edge of forests. The sweet-smelling flowers can be used to make elderflower cordial (holunderblütensyrup) for a wonderful summer drink mixed with sparkling or still water.
We make just a small amount at a time because it is not something we have every day and the smaller quantities are easier for toddlers to manage. It also means we can do it more than once in the few weeks that the flowers are in bloom.
After doing this activity a few times with the boys they are able to identify the elder tree when we go for walks in the forest. It is such a wonderful way for children to get to familiarise themselves with another plant in their environment in a hands-on way.
This recipe is based on versions by Betty Bossi and Fransiska at Little Zürich Kitchen. It makes about 750 millilitres. The syrup can be kept in a cool dark spot for up to 6 months. Refrigerate after opening.
Ingredients
- 5 – 10 elderflower heads, depending on size
- 500 millilitres boiling water
- 500 grams sugar
- 10 grams citric acid
- 1 organic lemon, sliced (optional)
Setup
- Measure the sugar and citric acid into bowls.
- On a low bench set out a 2-litre pot or glass jug, heatproof mat, wooden spoon, sugar, citric acid, and the elderflower heads.
- Prepare a second pot, tongs, sieve, cheesecloth, steel funnel, and bottles for the next step a day later.
Method
- Check the flowers for insects and give them a good shake to remove the rest. We do this over a white tray and the kids enjoy spotting the tiny little insects.
- With the pot on the heat mat, pour in the boiling water. This part I do myself with the children watching.
- Stir in the sugar and citric acid. Here the children spooned in the ingredients and took turns stirring.
- Place the flower heads in the mixture with the blossoms submerged and the stems pointing upwards. Here the kids take turns placing one at a time in the mixture.
- Submerge the lemon slices (if using) in the mixture. This is lots of fun with tongs.
- Cover the pot and let it sit for 24 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Use tongs to remove the flower heads and lemon slices. Hold each piece above the mixture for a moment and draw attention to the drips.
- Line the sieve with cheesecloth and place it over the second pot. Strain the mixture. For younger toddlers I decant small amounts of liquid at a time into a small (250ml) jug for them to pour through the sieve. I make sure to demonstrate deliberate and controlled pouring with two hands on the jug. We repeat this until all the liquid has been strained.
- Bring the mixture to a boil. The kids can have a turn stirring the mixture. Hold the pot securely with one hand.
- Pour while hot into glass bottles and close immediately. I did this part with the children watching.
- Makes approximately 750 millilitres.
Collecting Elderflowers
The aroma is strongest if the elderflowers are collected after a few dry days and once any morning dew has evaporated. Choose flowers that are fully open but have not started to brown. If you are not 100% percent sure you can correctly identify the elderberry tree have someone experienced show you.
We use about five large flower heads or more if they are smaller. If doing the activity with a group of children I would make sure that each child has at least one flower head to put in the mixture.