The aroma of Elderflower is very popular in Austria, mainly used for making sirups and jelly. In our region, elder usually starts blooming very early, often in early May. I love the aroma and find it absolutely fascinating how versatile elderflowers are in the kitchen.
In this article, you'll find my favorite recipes using elderflowers.
If you don’t have experience with collecting and using elder, please make sure to do some proper research first! The stems and raw berries of elder are poisonous. The flowers of black elder, which is commonly used in our kitchens, can easily be confused with dwarf elder, where all parts are toxic. You can, for example, go collecting with someone who is knowledgeable or use plant identification books or apps. Here I've summarized the most important information for collecting elderflowers.
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Elderflower Tea
My favorite way to preserve elderflowers is to dry them for tea. I got the idea from my grandma. Every year she would collect elderflowers directly from the park behind her Viennese municipal housing complex to dry them for cold remedy tea.
Go to the elderflower tea guide
Elderflower Jelly
With this simple elderflower jelly recipe, you can beautifully capture the heavenly aroma of elderflowers!
Go to the elderflower jelly recipe
Elderflower Oxymel (Sour Honey)
Oxymel (sour honey) is fermented honey with apple cider vinegar, to which herbs and flowers can be added as desired. Elderflower oxymel is delicious as a salad dressing or diluted with water. It’s great for the immune system, gut flora, and has additional health benefits depending on which herbs are used.
Fried Elderflowers
Fried elderflowers is a beloved traditional dish in Austria and Germany. They are surprisingly quick and easy to make and, in my opinion, should grace our plates at least once every season!
To the recipe for fried elderflowers
Austrian Elderflower Syrup Recipe
For this elderflower syrup recipe you'll need sugar, citric acid and lemon slices. The recipe is pretty easy to make, but requires 2-4 days of resting time.
To the Austrian elderflower syrup recipe
Elderflower Dessert with Fresh Blossoms
Here’s a heavenly recipe for an elderflower cream made with whipped cream, quark, and sour cream. This recipe uses fresh elderflowers, which are steeped overnight with the cream in the fridge to release their unmistakable aroma.
To the recipe for elderflower dessert with fresh blossoms
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