Species: Elder (Sambucus nigra)
Family: Honeysuckles (CAPRIFOLIACEAE)
Category: Flowering Plants
Location: NW
A. Flowering Plants
More extensive information on flowering plants can be found in a separate blog post.
B. Honeysuckles (CAPRIFOLIACEAE)
This is principally a north temperate family, with leaves mainly opposite along the stem. Unlike the Bindweeds the climbing honeysuckles twine clockwise. The flowers are two-lipped with five joined petals.
C. Elder (Sambucus nigra)
The elder's fragrant flowers open in May, followed by black berries. The bounty of this native small tree is harvested like no other. Elder wood is not of great durability and has few uses, but with the pith removed elder twigs are made into penny whistles.
Elderberry tea, made by steeping dried berries in hot water, relieves the symptoms of colds, flu and colic. Elderflower tea relieves flu-induced fever, and elderflower water is an eye and skin lotion, and also relieves colds and flu. To cleanse the skin, suspend elderflowers in a muslin bag in the bath. Elderflower ointment is used for sprains, bruises, chilblains and wounds, and was used extensively in World War I. An elder bark infusion is a strong purgative. When rubbed on the skin, an infusion of elder leaves keeps insects away.
The flowers and berries make excellent wine and jam, and the flowers can also be made into fritters and vinegar. Pick flowers when they are ready to open and use as soon as possible. Pick the young leaves any time. Elderflowers bring out the taste of gooseberries in a remarkable way.
Additional Information
Recipe for Elderflower Wine
6 elder flowers 2 tbsp (25g) white wine vinegar
juice of 1 lemon 1 1/2 lb (675g) caster sugar
1 gallon (4.5 litres) of cold water.
This simplest of recipes actually works. Put all the ingredients into a large bowl, stir, cover and leave for a day. Strain through muslin and pour into sterilised bottles. Leave for 2-3 weeks before drinking.
Recipe 1 for Sparkling Elderflower
1 ½ pints (900ml) elderflowers the flesh of 2 oranges
the juice of 1 lemon 1 gallon (4.5l) water
3 lb (1.35kg) sugar yeast
yeast nutrient 8 fl oz (240ml) cold black tea
1 lb (450g) chopped raisins.
Use only the flowers, not the stalks. Add the orange flesh and lemon juice and pour on 4 pints (2.25l) boiling water. Cover and leave in a warm place for 10 days. Add the sugar to 4 pints (2.25l) boiling water in a large pan. Strain the elderflower liquor into it. When it has cooled to room temperature add the tea, yeast and yeast nutrient, and raisins. Stir and fit a fermentation lock, and leave in a warm place to finish fermenting. Rack off, adding ½ tsp sugar per bottle. Secure stoppers and leave for 3 months.
Recipe 2 for Sparkling Elderflower
1 ½ pints (900ml) elderflowers the flesh of 2 oranges
the juice of 1 lemon 1 gallon (4.5l) water
3 lb (1.35kg) sugar yeast
yeast nutrient 8 fl oz (240ml) cold black tea
1 lb (450g) chopped raisins.
Use only the flowers, not the stalks. Add the orange flesh and lemon juice and pour on 4 pints (2.25l) boiling water. Cover and leave in a warm place for 10 days. Add the sugar to 4 pints (2.25l) boiling water in a large pan. Strain the elderflower liquor into it. When it has cooled to room temperature add the tea, yeast and yeast nutrient, and raisins. Stir and fit a fermentation lock, and leave in a warm place to finish fermenting. Rack off, adding ½ tsp sugar per bottle. Secure stoppers and leave for 3 months.
Images
Elder
Elder flowers and berries make excellent wine and jam, and the flowers can also be made into fritters and vinegar.
Elder
Pick Elder flowers when they are ready to open and use as soon as possible.
Elder
Pick young Elder leaves any time. Elderflowers bring out the taste of gooseberries in a remarkable way.
Elder
Elderflower tea relieves flu-induced fever, and elderflower water is an eye and skin lotion, and also relieves colds and flu.
