Products
Elderflower syrup is available in grocery stores. In spring and summer, it is often homemade. The elderflower stalks are collected from wild bushes (photo). Citric acid is available in pharmacies and drugstores in open bottles. New bottles of white glass, if necessary, can also be purchased in specialized stores or, for example, distilleries.
Production
Recipe for about 4 liters of syrup (edited after Hänseler):
| Elderflower stands | 15 |
| Water | 3 liters |
| Sugar | 2 kg |
| Citric acid | 60 g |
| Lemons | 3 |
- Boil the water with the citric acid and sugar to make a syrup, then allow to cool.
- Cut the lemons into slices.
- Layer the slices and elderflowers in a jar, pour the cooled syrup, close and leave in a warm place for two days.
- Subsequently, strain the flowers and lemon slices with a sieve and bottle the finished elderberry syrup and store in a cool place.
- Stick label with the date.
- Stored in a cool place, the syrup will keep for at least six months.
Notes:
- 20 g of citric acid is required per liter of water.
- There are also recipes with alcohol.
Effects
The elderflowers give the syrup the pleasant aroma and contain health-promoting ingredients such as flavonoids. The lemons and citric acid have preservative, antioxidant and clarifying properties and impart a sour taste. The sugar is added for sweetening and as a consistency enhancer.
Fields of application
As a refreshing beverage and as a thirst quencher. As an ingredient for alcoholic drinks, for example with Prosecco. The use as a diaphoretic cold and flu remedy is not common. For this purpose, the dried elderflowers are prepared as an infusion.
Dosage
The syrup is mixed with water and served as a cool drink possibly with ice.
Precautions
Pure citric acid must be handled with care because it is irritating to the skin, mucous membranes and respiratory tract. It may cause sneezing irritation and coughing. In case of contact with the eyes, rinse with water because severe eye irritation may result. Other shrubs, such as mountain ash (rowan), flower similarly to elderberry. The flowers of the black elder ( L.), which is native to Europe, are used.
Undesirable effects
Elderflower syrup is acidic and contains a lot of sugar. Acid and sugar lower the pH in the mouth and cause demineralization of tooth enamel, which can promote the development of dental erosion and tooth decay.