Elderflower syrup

Elderflower Syrup: A Fragrant Delight at Home

Who hasn’t felt the delicate aroma of elderflower in the warm summer air? Elderflower syrup is a refreshing drink, full of flavor, that can be used in various dishes or simply enjoyed with sparkling or still water. This simple and quick recipe is perfect for turning fresh elderflowers into a delicious syrup, ideal for hot summer days. Let’s explore each step of this recipe together.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Maceration time: 24 hours
Total time: 24 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 1 liter of syrup

Ingredients:
- Plenty of elderflowers (the more, the more fragrant the syrup)
- 1 liter of water
- 1 kilogram of sugar
- 500 grams of lemons (about 3-4 medium lemons)

Brief Introduction:
Elderflower syrup has a rich history, used since ancient times for its beneficial properties. It is known for its refreshing effects and its help in alleviating colds. This recipe is not only a way to preserve delicate flowers but also an opportunity to bring a touch of nature into your home.

Step by Step:
1. Preparing the elderflowers:
Start by carefully washing the elderflowers under a stream of cold water. This step is essential to remove impurities or insects that may be hiding among the delicate petals. After washing, let the flowers drain on a clean towel.

2. Preparing the syrup:
In a large pot, add 1 liter of water and 1 kilogram of sugar. Place the pot over medium heat and stir until the sugar completely dissolves. Then, add the juice from 1-2 lemons, adjusting the amount to taste. Lemon juice not only provides a pleasant tartness but also helps preserve the syrup.

3. Cooling the syrup:
Once the syrup begins to boil, let it boil for 5 minutes, then turn off the heat. Allow it to cool to room temperature. This step is important because elderflowers should not be added to hot syrup, otherwise their aroma will be lost.

4. Adding the elderflowers:
Once the syrup has cooled, add the elderflowers and the remaining sliced lemons. It is recommended to blanch the lemons in boiling water for a few minutes before adding them, to remove any chemicals from the skin. Make sure to mix all the ingredients well.

5. Maceration:
Cover the pot with a lid or a clean towel and let the syrup macerate for 24 hours in a dark place. It is ideal to stir the syrup a few times during this period to ensure an even infusion.

6. Straining and bottling:
After 24 hours, take a fine sieve or cheesecloth and strain the syrup into a clean container. Make sure to remove all the flowers and lemon residues. Pour the syrup into sterilized bottles and seal them tightly. It is important to keep the bottles in a dark and cool place to maintain their freshness.

Practical Tips:
- Choosing flowers: When picking elderflowers, choose those that are open and have a bright white color. Avoid wilted flowers or those with spots.
- Sugar: If you want to reduce the amount of sugar, you can experiment with sweetening alternatives, but the final result may vary.
- Variations: You can add other flavors to the syrup, such as a few mint leaves for a refreshing taste or a few peppercorns for a spicy note.

Delicious Combinations:
Elderflower syrup is versatile and can be combined with many drinks. You can make a refreshing lemonade by mixing the syrup with sparkling water and ice. It is also delicious combined with prosecco or added to cocktails. Why not try using it as a topping for ice cream or yogurt?

Calories and Nutritional Benefits:
Each serving of elderflower syrup (approximately 30 ml) contains about 100 calories, mainly from sugar. Although it is high in calories, elderflower syrup contains antioxidants and may have beneficial effects on the immune system.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use dried elderflowers? Yes, but the aroma will be weaker compared to fresh flowers.
- How long can the syrup be kept? If stored properly, the syrup can last for several months.
- Can I use other citrus fruits instead of lemons? Yes, oranges or limes can add an interesting flavor.

Personal Note:
This elderflower syrup recipe reminds me of the summers spent in childhood, when I would go to my grandparents’ house and enjoy refreshing drinks on the terrace. By making this syrup, you not only bring a part of that memory into your home but also a delicacy that you can share with your loved ones. So, let’s enjoy every drop of this fragrant and nostalgic drink together!