I always mean to have a go at making elderflower cordial or elderflower champagne but never get round to it…maybe this year. Click to enlarge image.
I always mean to have a go at making elderflower cordial or elderflower champagne but never get round to it…maybe this year. Click to enlarge image.
We have elderberries growing all along the road that leads to our house, but not as many plants on our property so we’ve not tried to make anything with our elderberries yet. Dh was telling me that they’re one of those things that you have to cook to make un-poisonous. Hmmm. Wonder if we have the same kind of elderberry as you do?
“The leaves, twigs, branches, seeds and roots contain a cyanide producing glycoside. Ingesting any of these parts in sufficient quantity can cause a toxic build up of cyanide in the body. In addition, the unripened berry, flowers and “umbels” contain a toxic alkaloid.
Due to the possibility of cyanide poisoning, children should be discouraged from making whistles, slingshots or other toys from elderberry wood. In addition, “herbal teas” made with elderberry leaves (which contain cyanide inducing glycosides) should be treated with high caution. However, ripe berries (pulp and skin) are safe to eat.” (Wikipedia)
Yikes!
Yikes is right! I wonder how many people died before they figured out all that?
Gosh my neighbour has tonnes of this that cascades into my garden … I had no idea it was elderflower…
mmm after reading your text up there I think I will leave them alone 🙂
Yes but elderflower cordial is so yummy especially with fizzy water added. I think buying a bottle from the supermarket is the way to go….
We have elderflower in our garden. I didn’t realise all that information about it! and I have never tried anything made with elderflower.
Neither have I but I love elderflower cordial , it’s lovely, so fresh tasting and you can have elderflower champagne too and ice cream or sorbet…..