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Elderflowers (Sambucus nigra) or elderflower are small white inflorescences, similar to little stars gathered in umbels facing downwards. Elder belongs to the Caprifoliaceae family, is native to Europe and the Caucasus, and has ancient origins when it was considered a magical plant. Indeed, remains of elderberries have been found in settlements dating back to the Neolithic period, while evidence suggests that the Greeks and Romans used the wood of this plant to make a musical instrument called "sambuca," similar to a small harp. It is even believed that the magical flute from the famous legend was made of elderwood!
Although elderflowers, berries, and bark are used for various purposes, flowers are probably the most well-known element and can be collected for use in cooking and herbal medicine, both dried and fresh. In many countries, elderflowers symbolize spring, as they bloom between May and June, and can be collected for various purposes: however, it is important to pay attention to the species, as there are some elder varieties, different from Sambucus nigra, poisonous to humans, such as Sambucus ebulus.
For tips on collection, you can read our blog article on the guide to collecting edible wild herbs. If you are unsure about the variety of elderflowers, avoid collecting and opt for a safe and certified dried product instead.
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What are the most important properties of elderflowers? Elder has always been widely used in cooking and herbal medicine for its significant benefits. The beneficial properties of elder were already recorded in the medical texts of Hippocrates and Pliny the Elder, while in 1644, Dr. Martin Blochwich wrote a treatise on the use of elder in the treatment of 70 different disorders.
Both the berries (elderberry) and the flowers (elderflower) are used, both edible and both with important effects on the body's well-being: just think that Germanic peoples called elder "the pharmacy of the gods."
Elderflowers in particular are very important at an immunological level, and can provide great support to health and the immune system during the winter season. They have draining properties in general and particularly at a pulmonary level, as well as anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties: they help alleviate cough, sore throat, fever, sinusitis, and colds, clear the airways, increase bronchial secretion, and are perfect to consume as an infusion during winter to counteract influenza and seasonal illnesses, as their sweetness is grounding and decongestant. Elderflowers are also beneficial for rhinitis and spring allergies, asthma, and to increase sweating during fevers and influenza, as they are diaphoretic.
Not only that, elderflowers also have diuretic, emollient, laxative, emetic, depurative, anti-rheumatic, and antineuralgic properties.
In ancient times, elderflower was widely used for various healing and therapeutic purposes: for example, the ancient Egyptians associated elderflowers with the planet Venus, for their beauty and purity, and used them to prepare ointments and beneficial oils for skin care and wrinkles, thanks to their soothing, emollient, and purifying power, beneficial for relieving sunburns and stimulating the elimination of sebaceous impurities, to make the skin soft and treat acne.
Due to these calming and anti-inflammatory properties, elderflower infusions can also be used to make compresses to alleviate cases of swollen and irritated eyes. Elderflower tea is also among the natural remedies for cystitis, as it is purifying and emollient, while elderflower syrup can be used for gargling against cough.
What can be done with elderflowers? As we have seen, given their numerous properties, these fragrant flowers are used in the making of various herbal preparations, starting from the famous elderflower tea or infusion, a powerful hot beverage in winter to counteract influences and colds, to recipes for tasty dishes and appetizers, fragrant with the characteristic notes of elderflower.
From fritters to cakes, to cocktails, the uses of elderflowers are countless, as they are a versatile and widely used element in the herbal and culinary tradition of different countries.
To enjoy the officinal properties of elderflowers, it will be necessary to make an extraction from fresh flowers or dried elderflowers. It is not recommended to make a decoction, as the flowers are very delicate and such intense cooking would risk burning them and losing their properties. The recommended extraction methods are instead infusion, syrup, or mother tincture, which can be easily made at home.
These preparations made with elderflowers can be used against cough, sinusitis, rhinitis, colds, and influenza, but they also have diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and laxative powers. Elderflower infusion, if taken during influenza, stimulates sweating and promotes toxin elimination. Cold elderflower infusion can be used to relieve swollen eyes (for example, irritated by allergies) with soothing compresses.
Syrup and mother tincture can instead be prepared and stored for long periods of time, and used as needed, alone or in teas. They alleviate upper respiratory problems and decongest from mucus, calming cough.
Let's see together how to make these preparations.
The elderflower tea is an excellent hot beverage to strengthen the immune system. It is very easy to prepare with the dried elderflowers and is useful to combat cough, fever, cold, and decongest the respiratory system. It is advisable to always have a jar of dried elderflowers in the pantry to prepare a decoction for the winter months when illnesses are always around the corner. Let's see how to prepare elderflower tea:
The elderflower syrup is a very versatile preparation, used to be consumed alone, to quench thirst and refresh, but also to help decongest and combat cold and fever. It can be prepared in large quantities and stored in the refrigerator for several months, ready to use. Elderflower syrup is widely used in pastry and baking, but also in mixology. Let's see how to prepare it.
N.B. The use of citric acid is not essential, but it is important to preserve the syrup for a long time (up to two months). If you choose not to use it, the syrup must be consumed within 1 week to 10 days.
You can also choose to use whole cane sugar instead of white sugar, keeping in mind that it will alter the taste of elderflowers. We recommend using white sugar if you are making syrup for cooking or drinks, and cane sugar if you want to consume the syrup for medicinal purposes.
This syrup is perfect for soothing coughs and colds, but can also be used in pastry preparations, cocktails, or non-alcoholic drinks.
Elderflower syrup is famously used in the preparation of the Hugo drink, a cocktail very similar to the spritz, originating from Alto Adige, fresh and refreshing, as well as very aromatic, thanks to the elderflower syrup.
The mother tincture is an alcoholic extraction of the plant's active ingredients. It is possible to prepare an elderflower mother tincture at home very simply, to use in teas and infusions to enjoy the properties of elderflower. Let's see how to prepare it.
Elderflowers are consumed fresh, or they are dried to be used in various recipes in the kitchen, from cordials to cocktails, but also jams, infusions, pancakes, and cakes. These flowers can indeed flavor any dish with a strong and floral aroma, from salads to fruit salads, drinks, to focaccias, bread, and plumcakes. In Sicily, the pani cu Savacu is very famous, with elderflowers, and the focaccia called vastedda, typically eaten during Easter. These breads are perfect to accompany cold cuts and cheeses, thanks to their particularly delicate and light taste.
Generally, for culinary preparations, elderflower extract is used, for example, a syrup or infusion, or alternatively whole flowers, dried or pressed.
It is always preferable to use dried flowers, or fresh but cooked, as raw they could be slightly toxic, causing nausea and diarrhea. Generally, the most common use is precisely that of syrup, which can in turn be used in countless sweet and savory preparations, but there are also many liqueurs and cordials prepared with these edible flowers, starting from the famous sambuca to St. Germain. Elderflower also pairs very well with tangy flavors like lemon and vinegar, which can be used to season them. Let's see some of the most creative and interesting recipes with elderflowers.
One of the most classic recipes featuring elderflowers is elderflowers fried. You may have seen images of these white flowers in batter, often covered in sugar: fried elderflowers are a real treat, soft and delicious, they can be made savory, to be enjoyed as an appetizer or starter, or sweet, for a warm and fragrant dessert. Whole flowers are used, which are dipped in batter from the stem and fried in butter or oil.
To make these elderflower fritters, you can prepare a batter using sparkling water or beer, and choose whether to use eggs or prepare a vegan version without. We propose a vegan recipe, for fried elderflowers that can be enjoyed by everyone!
Elderflower pancakes are a delicious and fragrant breakfast. These soft pancakes can be eaten alone, covered in powdered sugar, or accompanied by creams and jams. Let's see how to prepare them.
With dried elderflowers, you can prepare flavored vinegar to use on salads, vegetables, or for making sauces and dressings. Flavored vinegar is an excellent method to extract the active ingredients of plants, and elderflower vinegar is a perfect way to enjoy the beneficial properties of elderflowers. Let's see how to prepare it:
Hugo is a typical aperitif from Alto Adige prepared with elderflower syrup. It is very similar to spritz, but has a sweet and light flavor. Let's see how to prepare it.
The elderflower-flavored focaccia is a typical recipe from Calabria, where it is called "pitta cu ru maju." This focaccia is very fragrant and perfect for picnics and countryside lunches. The recipe is straightforward and allows for the use of fresh or dried elderflowers. Let's see the procedure.
Elderflowers can be used in various ways. Try adding them to doughs like cookies, focaccias, and fritters, using them in creams, ice creams, and panna cotta, making elderflower jam, or letting them macerate in water for a simple and refreshing elderflower-flavored water. You can also use them simply as decoration, sprinkling them on pasta dishes, cakes, or in cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks.
Elderflowers are widely used for their healing properties in cooking and herbalism, but they also constitute an interesting ingredient for flavor and texture. The taste of elderflowers is indeed delicate, sweet, and floral, slightly herbaceous, but nothing like other edible flowers! Elderflowers are actually much sweeter than one might expect, with a slightly musky and bitter aftertaste, similar to lychee or amaretto, and are excellent for cleansing the palate thanks to a slightly tart note.
Fresh elderflowers can be harvested early in the morning and dried. Dried elderflowers should be stored in a jar, in a cool, dry place away from light.
Dried elderflowers are safe and can be used to prepare tasty and beneficial recipes and herbal teas for the body. If using elderflowers harvested by oneself, it is important to cook them and not consume them fresh as they could cause nausea, stomach pain, and diarrhea. It is also important to make sure that you have actually collected elderflowers as there are other similar species that are, however, poisonous.
Elderflowers can be collected in various areas of Italy. They are harvested in May, usually in the morning, but it is very important to have a thorough knowledge of the plant, as there are similar species that are poisonous to humans. We recommend reading our guide to collecting edible wild herbs for some tricks and tips on plant collection.
On Terza Luna, you can instead find dried elderflowers for sale online at an exceptional price. Dried elderflowers can be used for making herbal teas, infusions, syrups, mother tinctures, pancakes, jams, cookies, and much more, as well as for decoration and as an ingredient for cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages. They are a certified and high-quality ingredient to give your dishes a sweet and floral note and to prepare your infusions against fever and flu.
