Elderflower syrup

Who hasn't been delighted by the scent of elderflower on warm summer days? These delicate flowers not only please the senses but also offer numerous health benefits. Elderflower syrup is a refreshing and healthy drink, perfect for enjoying on sweltering days or as a natural remedy for colds. In this recipe, I will guide you step by step in making a delicious elderflower syrup, so you can share this wonderful drink with your entire family.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 3 hours
Total time: 3 hours and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 15 servings (approximately)

Essential ingredients:
- 50 elderflowers (make sure they are fresh and free of insect traces)
- 3 liters of water
- 1 kg of sugar

Benefits of elderflowers:
Elderflowers are known for their medicinal properties. They have diaphoretic, diuretic, laxative effects and help reduce fever. They are also considered anti-inflammatory and mildly disinfectant, being useful for soothing coughs. Therefore, it's ideal to have a jar of elderflower syrup in your pantry, not just for refreshing drinks but also as a natural remedy during the cold season.

Step-by-step preparation of elderflower syrup:

1. Harvesting elderflowers: Choose fresh elderflowers with short stems. It’s best to pick them at noon when the sun has fully opened their petals, and their aroma is at its peak. Make sure to gather them from unpolluted areas, away from traffic.

2. Washing the flowers: Once home, wash the flowers quickly under cold running water to remove any impurities or insects. Be careful not to soak them too long, as they may wilt.

3. Boiling the flowers: In a large pot, add the 3 liters of water and the elderflowers. Place the pot on the stove and let it boil for about 1 hour. This step is essential for extracting the flavors and properties of the elderflowers.

4. Straining the liquid: After the flowers have boiled, strain the liquid using a fine sieve or cheesecloth. It is important to obtain a clear liquid without flower remnants.

5. Adding the sugar: Once the liquid is strained, add the sugar to the pot. Place the mixture on low heat and let it boil, stirring occasionally, until the syrup thickens. This process may take about 3 hours, and the syrup should reduce by half.

6. Bottling the syrup: When the syrup has reached the desired consistency, carefully pour it into sterilized bottles. Make sure to seal them well and leave them to dry for 24 hours. This step helps preserve the syrup and prevent fermentation.

7. Storage: After the bottles have dried, store the syrup in the pantry, in a cool, dark place. Elderflower syrup can be kept for several months, being a true treasure on hot days or during colds.

Serving suggestions:
Elderflower syrup can be served with sparkling water and a few ice cubes, creating a refreshing and aromatic drink. You can also add it to lemonade or cocktails for a unique floral note. Another delicious option is to use it as a topping for ice cream or pancakes.

Tips and variations:
- If you want a more aromatic syrup, add a slice of lemon or lime during boiling.
- You can also experiment with other edible flowers, such as lavender or chamomile, to add another layer of flavor.
- Elderflower syrup can be combined with various alcoholic beverages, such as prosecco or gin, to create sophisticated cocktails.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Where can I pick elderflowers? Gather flowers from unpolluted areas, away from traffic, preferably from forests or private gardens.
2. How can I store the syrup longer? Ensure that the bottles are sterilized and tightly sealed. Keep them in a dark and cool place.
3. Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar? Yes, brown sugar will add a more complex flavor and a darker color to the syrup.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
Elderflower syrup contains an average of 60-70 calories per serving (30 ml), depending on the amount of sugar used. Elderflowers are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, having a positive impact on the immune system.

Enjoy this elderflower syrup on warm summer days and savor the natural aroma of elderflowers. It’s a simple dessert recipe, but full of flavor and health benefits. Whether you consume it as is or use it in creative combinations, elderflower syrup will surely become a seasonal favorite. Enjoy!