Elderflower juice

Elderflower juice - A natural drink full of flavor

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Fermentation time: 5-6 days
Number of servings: approximately 10 liters

Elderflower juice is a traditional drink, appreciated for its delicate aroma and beneficial properties. It is a symbol of summer, bringing a refreshing taste and vibrant color. This recipe will guide you step by step to create a delicious elderflower juice, perfect for warm summer days or to be enjoyed throughout the year.

Ingredients

- 8 fresh elderflowers (make sure they are untreated and grown in clean places)
- 1 kg sugar (for a sweet but balanced taste)
- 100 g sugar (to be caramelized)
- 5 fresh lemons (for a hint of acidity)
- Water (enough to complete the volume of 10 liters)

Necessary utensils

- A large 10-liter container (a jug or glass jar is ideal)
- A pot
- A wooden spoon
- A sieve (for straining)
- Glass bottles for storage

Brief history

Elderflower juice has a long history, being prepared by generations. Elderflowers are used not only for juices but also for syrups, jellies, or even in culinary dishes. These flowers are known for their antioxidant properties, and the resulting juice is an excellent source of vitamins. It is a perfect drink to refresh yourself and also to strengthen your immune system.

Step by step for perfect elderflower juice

1. Caramelizing the sugar: Start by caramelizing the 100 g of sugar. Place the sugar in a pot over medium heat and let it melt, stirring gently to prevent burning. When it becomes golden and liquid, remove it from the heat. This will add depth and an attractive color to your juice.

2. Preparing the syrup: In the same pot, add 1 kg of sugar, the juice from the 5 lemons, and water. Mix everything well and put it on medium heat. Continue stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved.

3. Preparing the elderflowers: Rinse the elderflowers well under a stream of cold water to remove any impurities. Ensure that the flowers are fresh and have not been treated with pesticides.

4. Combining the ingredients: In the 10-liter container, add the elderflowers and lemon slices. Pour the warm syrup obtained from sugar and lemons over the flowers. Then, add the caramelized sugar (making sure it is well dissolved) and top up with water to the desired capacity.

5. Fermentation: Now, to give the juice an authentic taste, it is recommended to let it ferment naturally. You can add, if desired, 2 tablespoons of rice to speed up the fermentation process, but allowing it to ferment naturally is preferable. Cover the container with a clean cloth or cheesecloth and leave it in a warm place for 5-6 days. It is important to stir 3-4 times a day to help distribute the ingredients evenly.

6. Straining: After the fermentation period, use a sieve to strain the juice. This way, you will obtain a clear liquid full of flavors.

7. Storage: Pour the juice into glass bottles and keep them in the refrigerator. You can consume it within a month. If you want to enjoy it for a longer time, you can freeze part of it.

Useful tips

- Choosing the flowers: Buy elderflowers from trusted sources or pick them from nature, ensuring they have not been chemically treated.
- The yeast version: If you wish, you can use natural yeast to speed up fermentation. Use a teaspoon of dry yeast, but it may slightly change the final taste.
- Serving: Elderflower juice is served cold and can be diluted with sparkling water for an extra refreshing effect. You can add a few mint leaves or citrus slices for an attractive appearance and fresh aroma.

Frequently asked questions

1. Is it necessary to use caramelized sugar?
- While it is not essential, caramelized sugar adds a note of flavor and a beautiful color to the juice.

2. Can I use dried elderflowers?
- It is preferable to use fresh flowers, but in their absence, you can use dried flowers, being careful to adjust the quantity.

3. How can I preserve the juice for longer?
- Keep it in glass bottles in the refrigerator or freeze it in small portions to enjoy it longer.

Calories and nutritional benefits

This drink is relatively low in calories, having about 40 calories per cup (240 ml), depending on the amount of sugar used. Elderflower juice is rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and has anti-inflammatory properties, making it an excellent tonic for the immune system.

Delicious combinations

Elderflower juice pairs perfectly with various dishes, from fine cheeses and cold cuts to fresh salads or light desserts, such as a fruit tart or vanilla ice cream. It can also be combined with prosecco or white wine to create an elegant and refreshing aperitif.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that remains is to enjoy the cooking process and indulge in freshly made elderflower juice, full of flavor and aroma! Savor every sip and share this recipe with your loved ones, bringing a touch of summer into every day.