Foraging

for Sambucus Nigra Canadensis (American Black Elderberry) to make Elderberry flower Syrup

When foraging it is important to correctly identify your plant. Elderberry bushes have an almond shaped dark green leaf with saw tooth edges and grows on a separate stem from the flower. The flower grows in a spray of clusters on their own stem and are shaped like tiny white five petal stars.

Elderflower syrup Recipe

• 10 elderflower umbels

• 2 lemons, juiced

• ½ quart water

• 1-pound granulated sugar

To make a half a quart of Elderflower syrup, clip off 8-10 fresh flower stems newly opened (early July). Clip all stems and leaves and discard, rinse the flowers and shake dry. Set the florets aside in a bowl. *

Heat water to a boil, add sugar over medium flame, stir until all the sugar is dissolved. Pour the hot syrup over the flowers in the bowl, add lemon juice and 4 slices of lemon. Cover the bowl and let infuse over 3-5 days at room temperature. The flowers will infuse a unique smell and taste of tropical and pear nuances. Strain into a jar allowing some flowers and the lemon slices to remain. Use syrup over fresh fruit, yoghurt or in seltzer for a refreshing drink.

*Stems and leaves are toxic to eat, but a few stem parts left in the floret mixture will not