Elderflower and Lime Cordial

When elderflowers start to bloom you know summer is in full swing which only means one thing: time to make my signature elderflower and lime cordial!  Don’t you just love the smell as you pass the elderflower trees? Well imagine tasting that smell in a delicious, refreshing taste of summer! Elderflower and lemon cordial will soon turn dreams into reality!

Making this in the thermomix makes it super easy, in fact quicker than rushing out to the shops to buy a bottle of overly sweetened and processed elderflower and lemon cordial! I find bought elderflower syrup far too sweet, even the organic kind. The beauty about making it yourself is you can adjust the sweetness and use any sweetener you like. I like to know what I’m drinking is healthy so in this case I am using organic Irish honey. It offsets the bitterness of the lemons and the perfume of the elderflower.

During summer, poured into a tall glass filled with ice,  you get a refreshing drink. During winter, poured into a tall glass filled with ice not only do you get a refreshing drink but you get a feeling of summer. Elderflower isn’t just for summer it’s for all year round. 

Health benefits of elderflower and lime cordial

Elderflower is high in vitamins C so it helps in the relief of sore throats, is calming on the stomach and helps aid stomach cramps . Elderflowers are also good for the relief of sinusitis, headaches and nasal congestion. It also relieves high-temperatureand when you are feeling a little tired it acts as a great pick me up.

There are numerous uses for the elderflower, not just for eating and drinking. The leaves of the elderflower tree can be used as an insect repellent. Boil the leaves in water, cool and strain. Place in a spray bottle and use when required.

Elderflower blossoms are best picked during the hottest time of the day as the heat helps intensify the perfume and the flavour of the elderflower. Pick them when they are cream in colour, not green. When picked, shake them to get rid of any dust or insects and make sure they are picked in an environmentally friendly place. They should be used as soon as possible,  preferably on the day there are picked as they will wilt in a very short time.

This can be made with lemons too. So what are you waiting for, summer has arrived.

If you like this then watch out for more thermomix recipes coming soon!

 

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