A guide to Elderflower Tea; Blooming with Flavour in May!
- sarahandsimon8
- a few seconds ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
New season Elderflower. May marks the arrival of Elderflower season. Our exquisite Elderflower teas are crafted with the new harvest of blossoms, picked this spring. Experience their unparalleled freshness now!
Elderflower with its delicate fragrance and subtle sweetness, is basking in the limelight right now. We love it, and this isn't just a trend. Elderflower's a natural evolution driven by the desire for locally sourced, delicious ingredients with potential health benefits. Elderflower hits just right. And we’ve got a meadow full it. Ready to blend into delicious botanical infusion Elderflower tea! We seek the delicate blossoms of the Elder tree (Sambucus nigra) from May. Which later transform into deeply fruity and savoury berries, offering us another wonderful wild harvest later in the year.
So, what does it taste like?
The wild, versatile flower, boasts a sophisticated flavour profile. Weaving together floral notes with hints of pear, lychee, and tropical nuances. It’s great with lemon, or honey, or even lime. Paired with Nettle it is a superfood powerhouse, and its appeal extends beyond the palate. Elderflower has a rich history of medicinal use dating back to Roman times. With documented benefits for sinus issues, colds, flu, cough, and laryngitis.
Where to find Elderflower?
The ubiquitous elderflower thrives in diverse locations – from hedgerows and woodlands to gardens, fields, paths, and waterways.
Identifying Elder
A Elder tree can reach heights of up to 6 meters and spread just as wide. Their bark presents a light brown-grey hue, often revealing yellowish tones within its cracks. The light green leaves are spear-shaped with serrated edges, typically measuring 5-12cm in length and 3-5cm in width. They grow in opposing pairs along the stem. Forming a pinnate structure of 5 to 7 leaves, with a single leaf at the very tip. Finally, the delicate white flowers, each 5-6mm wide cluster together in flat-topped formations. Ranging from an impressive 10-25cm in diameter
How to pick your own Elder
Important: Only the flowers are edible. Therefore, we will be focusing on harvesting just the Elder blossoms. Aim to collect them on a sunny day, ideally the day after it has rained. Once picked, gently place the flower heads upside down on a flat surface and leave them. Allowing any small insects to vacate. Elderflower's delicate flavour lends itself beautifully to a range of sweet creations. Some popular drinks include fragrant teas, cordials, bubbly sodas like Elderflower 'champagne,' aromatic wines, and spirit infusions. In cooking you can make crispy flower head tempura, creamy zingy custards, rich ice creams, delicate sauces, and moist cakes.
How do we harvest our Elderflowers for tea?
Once picked and washed, the harvested Elderflower blooms are dehydrated slowly at 40 degrees for 17 hours. Producing cute delicate, golden flowers. If the blossoms rustle when they are moved, it means they are fully dried, and can be blended for teas. We combine the dried Elderflower to various other natural ingredients to make bold, high-quality, and flavourful brews.
Superfood Status (deservedly):
Whether it's a rediscovery or a well-deserved resurgence, Elderflower’s place in the tea spotlight is undeniable. Its unique flavour and potential health benefits make it a delightful addition to any wellness routine.
New blends? Yes.
We’ve got new season Elderflower Tea blends, made from the freshest UK grown wild Elderflower. These are light and refreshing, perfect for summer sipping, or for warding off seasonal allergies, Hay fever and colds. The possibilities are virtually endless where Elderflower is concerned. It’s a flavourful free spirit, waiting to be blended into cocktails, infused into teas, or danced into cold brews. Get ready to be swept away by Elderflower's delicate sweetness.
Try our popular Allergy Tea - Nettle, Elderflower & Peppermint Tea, or soothing Anti-Hay Fever - Chamomile, Elderflower & Nettle.
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