Elderflower flowering already!

[trolleydolly]

Today I discovered my Elderflower tree flowering already. I am sure this is due to the hot weather we have just enjoyed!
I’m looking forward to using the flowers in recipes; does anyone have any tips for harvesting and cooking with Elderflowers/Berries? I’m on the coast in East Sussex; has anyone else spotted any flowers yet?

T

[VirginVegGrower]

Elderflower fizz - made it last year. GORGEOUS! Google the many recipes.

[Alison]

Is it definitely elderflower? There's loads of rowan round here coming out but the elderflower is a while off yet. Made loads of elderflower champagne last year for my birthday celebrations which went down very well but think I might make some cordial this year and if I can find the recipe wherever I've hidden it I'm going to do some elderflower and gooseberry icecream.

[trolleydolly]

Sounds yummy! might have to give that one a go.

[Two_Sheds]

That photo isn't rowan, but I'm not sure it's elder either...? I'm sure it is though, my black elder has flower buds on too

[Jardiniere]

The elderflower is out here ( and there) not all of it but enough to make some cordial this weekend....lemons and sugar on the shopping list tomorrow!

[buzzingtalk]

what recipe do you follow for cordial? Do they all have citric acid in them? And can it be frozen as I won't want to use it all at once.

I think I'll walk back the long way from work on tuesday morning, there are lots of elder trees on the way home (about 3.5 miles) and I'll be sure to find some along the way

[BigShot]

Is it definitely elderflower? There's loads of rowan round here coming out but the elderflower is a while off yet.

It's the ol' North-South divide, Alison.
They get spring and summer earlier down there.
Being "grim" up here we get autumn and winter first though.

[Alison]

That photo isn't rowan, but I'm not sure it's elder either...? I'm sure it is though, my black elder has flower buds on too

Was that photo there when I looked originally? I often miss stuff so it could have been

[Two_Sheds]

Maybe not Alison, and I remember last year lots of people were picking rowan flowers by mistake

[Alison]

Maybe not Alison, and I remember last year lots of people were picking rowan flowers by mistake

Thanks for at least pretending I'm not going mad

[trolleydolly]

Was that photo there when I looked originally? I often miss stuff so it could have been

Hi Alison, no I had forgotten to add the photo, so you didn't miss it!

[trolleydolly]

I’ve taken some more photos of the ‘Elderflower tree’. Maybe someone could identify it from the photos? When we got the plot last year, we were informed by fellow plot holders, that it was indeed an Elderflower tree.

Hope this helps
T

[Jono]

I love elderflower cordial. I use the Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall recipe from the River Cottage Cookbook. I've found that the freshest, creamiest looking buds are needed, or they go brown when put in the boiling water.

Want to try elderflower and gooseberry ice cream this year.

[Glutton4...]

Definitely looks like it to me! Middle picture has Goose Grass (Cleavers) in it too - pull it out and feed it to the nearest Horse/Chicken!

Good luck with the Cordial - I made two batches last year; about four litres. Nowhere near enough!