Making Elderflower Cordial

I managed to find some late flowering elderflowers last week and collected 20 flowerheads (after asking permission from the Elder Mother)

I also collected two handfuls of wild roses

Other ingredients: 1.8 kg organic caster sugar, 1.2 litres water, 2 organic unwaxed lemons, 75g citric acid.

Method: Shake the elderflowers to expel insects ( I did this several times and it helped to place the elderflowers in a white lined mixing bowl so that I could rescue any lingering "wee beasties", as Ross calls thems.).

Place the sugar into a large saucepan with the water and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Bring to the boil.

Cut zest from lemons in wide strips and add to bowl with elderflowers. Slice lemons, and add all slices but the ends to the bowl. Pour boiling syrup over the elderflowers and lemons and stir in citric acid.



Rest the mixture for 24 hours, covered with a cloth. Drain it into a large bowl through muslin and filter it into dark glass bottles. Clear glass is fine also but keep in a cool, dark place.

Mithril's contribution....