Elderflower syrup, with its fresh and floral taste, is the embodiment of summer in a glass. Mixed with sparkling water and a few mint leaves, it creates a refreshing and thirst-quenching drink perfect for hot days.
Thanks to its versatile and rich flavor, elderflower syrup is a magical ingredient in the kitchen. It can be used to sweeten cakes and desserts, to flavor drinks and cocktails, or even to add a special touch to savory dishes like salads and marinades.
Elderflower syrup is prepared using only the flowers, which I recommend gathering in mountain or pollution-free areas because they should be used unwashed to retain the naturally present pollen, otherwise, the flavor would be affected. The lemons, on the other hand, acidify the solution to prevent fermentation during infusion.
I also leave you with other very interesting recipes for those who love genuine and unique flavors to maintain a varied and fun diet
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Very economical
- Rest time: 2 Days
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 2 bottles
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Spring, Summer
- Energy 1,974.40 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 546.83 (g) of which sugars 524.75 (g)
- Proteins 1.33 (g)
- Fat 0.60 (g) of which saturated 0.00 (g)of which unsaturated 0.00 (g)
- Fibers 10.11 (g)
- Sodium 33.00 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 875 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients
- 4 1/4 cups water
- 2 lemons
- 8 elderflower heads (hand-sized)
- 2.2 lbs sugar
Tools
- 1 Jar
- 2 Glass Bottles
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Knife
Preparation
From the elder, only the flowers can be consumed, so the advice is to cut the flowers removing as many stems as possible, as seen clearly in the photo.
Place the flowers unwashed in the jar, wash the lemons well and slice them.
After cutting the flowers and placing them in the jar, add the thin lemon slices and finally cover with water. Close with the lid and leave to infuse for at least 48 hours (max 72 hours) near a window or in the sun.
After 48 hours, the water will have turned yellow and the aroma will be unique! Strain the infusion with a sieve covered with a cotton cloth and squeeze well.
Place the obtained liquid in a pot along with the sugar and set it on the heat. Bring to a boil and let it boil for 20 minutes. Bottle the syrup while still hot in the glass bottles that you have previously sterilized.
NOTES
Elderflower syrup can be kept for months at room temperature, but once the bottle is opened, it is recommended to store it in the refrigerator.
With elderflower syrup, you can make great aperitifs like the Spritz Hugo.
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