Many myths have been spun around the elder tree in European folklore and Pagan religion. It is often associated with the mother goddess, or more specifically, the ancient vegetation goddess Hylde Moer. Elders were often planted next to the house in order to drive away evil spirits and all of its parts have been used for medicinal purposes. Read more here.
We collected about 12 umbels from the red-coloured elderbush (the first and only bush we've seen of this kind) and about 25 umbels from the white ones. Mixed with water, sugar, citric acid and some organic, unwaxed lemons we let them sit for about 3 to 4 days to infuse. Once strained it's a delicious and refreshing drink for the summer!
A guideline recipe:
• 35 fresh elder flower heads – always pick the sweet smelling ones (which tend to be a bit buttery in colour and which do not drop petals when shaken)
• 2 lemons, also rough sliced
(additionally: 2 oranges, rough sliced)
• 2oz citric aci
• 3 pints boiling water
• 3lb granulated sugar, (if you are worried about your sugar intake, you can use the equivalent of granulated Splenda (it is very light so follow the instructions which substitute volume for weight….)
