Elderflowers anyone?

[Jelliebabe]

Is it that time yet??? Anyone picked and started off any elderflower champagne or wine yet???

I'm hoping not to make last years "mistake" again and actually pick Elderflower - not just miscellaneous weed that looks like it!

[Jeanied]

The tree outside my garden is full of them right now - time to do some elderflower cordial methinks...

[binley100]

I've started my Elderflower champagne. Using a Channel 4/ Mr Huge Furry Wotsits recipe. Got it to fiz now but in my own way .. It wouldn't get going following their instructions so I popped a bit of the mix in a jar, added a tsp sugar and a goodly dose of yeast. Left it to start then added it to the bucket. Probably come down in the morning to an volcanic eruption but at least its fizzing.....

[VirginVegGrower]

Am looking at them and my brew bucket is ready but need picking on a sunny day - where is the sun?

[francesbean]

I've been looking at all the lovely elderflowers this year - is it just me or are they a tad early ? got my recipe - just need to find a clean bucket - I don't think the one I use to mop the kitchen floor will do - flash cordial anyone ?

francesbean

[chris]

Argh, can't find any around me.

[buzzingtalk]

I keep seeing loads, but on the side of busy roads in London Not about M11 infused cordial!

Am back to Norwich tomorrow though, so am going on a bike ride to hunt some down

[buzzingtalk]

Another question - what is the best cordial recipe? Seems like there are lots of variations online, what works for you guys?

Also, how long will elderflowers keep for? There are LOADS of them about 5 min walk away from where I am right now in London, but will they last being picked, then not arriving in the brew bucket until tomorrow afternoon?

[buzzingtalk]

Another question! Regarding HFW's recipe for fizz, it says to leave it in a 'cool, airy place' whilst fermenting - the only cool place in my house is the basement, but what does he mean by airy?? where do you leave yours to ferment?

sorry for the barrage of questions!!

[Jelliebabe]

I generally leave things in the brew bucket in the kitchen - I guess my porch would do too as id doesnt get the sun until late afternoon!

[Mikey]

here are some pictures of the trees around me. As you can see from mine they are just starting to flower here but will be at their best in about two weeks.

[Flummery]

They are only just coming out here but they are very early this year. You can normally add a spring or two of elderflowers to gooseberry jam but the goosegobs will be weeks yet.

[Mikey]

Its strange, last year my gooseberries were done and dusted by the time the elderflower was out on the lottie. This year its the other way around.

[buzzingtalk]

Do you think it would be OK leaving a brew bucket on top of the fridge? its the only place left in the kitchen not covered in more stuff...

[chris]

here are some pictures of the trees around me. As you can see from mine they are just starting to flower here but will be at their best in about two weeks.

Perhaps I have seen some then! Thanks, think I've seen some on Caerphilly mountain