Beautiful Botanicals – Elderflower
The Botanical That Captures the Essence of Summer
Elderflower comes from the elder tree, Sambucus nigra, a small native tree or large shrub which grows widely across the British Isles and mainland Europe. It is commonly found in woodland edges, hedgerows, gardens and along country roadsides, where its frothy cream-white flowers are one of the most recognisable signs of early summer.
The Royal Horticultural Society describes common elder as a bushy large shrub or small tree, with pinnate leaves, fragrant cream flowers in early summer and small black berries later in the season.
Elder usually flowers from late May into June, producing clusters of tiny, highly scented flowers arranged in broad, flat sprays. Later in the season, these delicate blooms develop into small purple-black elderberries, loved by birds and wildlife.
The leaves of the elder tree are pinnate, usually made up of oval leaflets with finely toothed edges. The flowers themselves are small and star-like, with a soft creamy colour and a beautifully fragrant aroma that has long been associated with warm days, hedgerows in bloom and the beginning of summer.
Elderflower Folklore
Elder has been valued for centuries, not only for its flowers and berries, but also for its place in folklore. Once regarded as one of the most magically powerful trees, elder was traditionally treated with great respect.
In some rural traditions, people believed an elder tree growing near the home could offer protection, while cutting one down without permission from the “Elder Mother” was thought to bring bad luck.
Elderflower to Enjoy
Elderflower has a long history of culinary use. Its creamy, fragrant blossoms are perhaps best known for making elderflower cordial, but they are also used in teas, infusions, jams, jellies, desserts, fritters, syrups and sparkling drinks. The flowers are popularly used to make cordial and naturally fermented sparkling drinks.
The flowers are loved for their delicate flavour: lightly floral, softly sweet and gently honeyed, with a fresh green note that makes them especially popular in summer recipes. Their scent is unmistakable — bright, fragrant and beautifully seasonal.
Elderberries, which appear later in the year, have also traditionally been used in medicines, hailed as the anti-viral to ward off winter viruses. Botanica Health have a wonderful recipe to create an Elderberry Syrup to assist your body in the colder months.
In drinks, elderflower brings a delicate floral sweetness and a bright, refreshing character. It pairs beautifully with citrus, herbs, berries and soft orchard fruits, which is why it is such a popular ingredient in summer serves.
Elderflower in Gin
In gin production, elderflower can bring a soft floral character and gentle aromatic sweetness to the spirit. Its delicate flavour works especially well with citrus, herbs and fruit-led editions.
Our new Refill Rewards Club Guest Pouch, Rhubarb & Elderflower, is fresh, fruity and beautifully floral. The soft sweetness of elderflower pairs beautifully with the bright, tangy character of rhubarb, creating a refreshing limited edition for the summer months. It also makes it the perfect Hugo Spritz!
Available exclusively to Refill Rewards Club members in June, July and August boxes, it is perfect for summer serves.
Existing members can switch to Rhubarb & Elderflower until 31 July, or you can join our 5⭐ Refill Rewards Club to try this exclusive new edition.