Elderflower Syrup

Elderflower Syrup - Simple and Delicious Recipe

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooling Time: 24 hours
Number of Servings: 6-8 servings (depending on use)

Discovering Natural Flavors

Elderflower syrup is a delicacy that has been appreciated for generations, with a rich history in culinary traditions. It is known for its enticing floral aroma and nutritional benefits. This syrup is not just a refreshing drink but also a natural remedy for colds. Its preparation is simple, and the result is an elderflower syrup that can be enjoyed during the warm season or preserved for winter.

Ingredients

- 15 fresh elderflower blossoms (make sure they are clean and insect-free)
- 600 ml water
- 600 g sugar
- 3 lemons (2 for fresh juice and 1 sliced)

Elderflower Syrup Preparation Technique

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Ensure that the elderflowers are fresh and clean. It is important to wash them well to remove any impurities. The lemons should be juicy, so choose the freshest ones.

2. Making the syrup:
In a pot, add 600 ml of water and 600 g of sugar. Place the pot over medium heat and stir gently until the sugar completely dissolves. It is essential not to boil the mixture, just let it heat enough to dissolve the sugar. This is the base of your elderflower syrup.

3. Adding the elderflowers and lemons:
Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the pot from the heat and add the fresh elderflowers, lemon slices, and the juice from the two squeezed lemons. Stir everything gently and let the mixture cool to room temperature. The floral aroma will start to be released, and the syrup will become increasingly fragrant.

4. Cooling the syrup:
After the syrup has cooled, cover the pot with a lid or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for 24 hours. This waiting time is crucial as it allows the flavors to blend and become more intense.

5. Straining the syrup:
After the cooling time has passed, it’s time to strain the syrup. Use a fine sieve or cheesecloth to separate the elderflowers and lemon slices from the fragrant syrup. Make sure to squeeze the flowers well to extract as much flavor as possible.

6. Bottling and preserving:
Pour the obtained syrup into clean bottles. If you want to preserve it for winter, you can sterilize the bottles. Place the bottles in a large pot, putting 1-2 kitchen towels between them to avoid clinking. Simmer on low heat until it starts to boil, then let them cool.

Useful Tips for Perfect Elderflower Syrup

- Choosing elderflowers: Make sure the flowers are fresh and have a strong aroma. Elderflowers are usually harvested in the summer, so take advantage of this time to prepare the syrup.
- Varying flavors: If you like a more tangy taste, you can add more lemon juice. You can also add a few mint leaves for a fresh note.
- Multiple uses: Elderflower syrup is excellent for sweetening still or sparkling water, but it can also be used in cocktails, lemonades, or hot drinks. Add it to your favorite tea for a distinct flavor.
- Preservation: The syrup can be kept in the refrigerator for a few months. If you follow the sterilization steps, you can keep it longer in the pantry.

Nutritional Benefits

Elderflower syrup is not only tasty but also packed with antioxidants. Elderflowers have been used in traditional medicine to help reduce cold and flu symptoms. Additionally, lemons add vitamin C, an essential nutrient for the immune system.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use dried elderflowers?
It is recommended to use fresh elderflowers to achieve a syrup with an intense flavor. If you do not have access to fresh flowers, dried flowers can be used, but the aroma will be more subtle.

2. Is elderflower syrup too sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet taste, you can reduce the amount of sugar by up to 100 g. You can experiment to find the ratio that you like best.

3. Can I add other flavors?
Yes, you can experiment! Adding freshly grated ginger or a few black peppercorns can give the syrup a spicy and interesting note.

Serving Suggestions

Elderflower syrup is perfectly served with sparkling water or tonic water, garnished with lemon slices and fresh mint leaves. You can also create a refreshing cocktail with elderflower syrup, gin, and tonic water for a special evening.

In conclusion, making elderflower syrup is a pleasant and simple experience that brings a touch of nature into your home. Whether you use it to cool off on hot summer days or to enhance your warm drinks in the cold season, this syrup will surely become a family favorite. So, don’t wait any longer and get started! Prepare your own elderflower syrup and enjoy its unique flavors!