Grandma's elderflower syrup recipe

Elderflower Soda – Grandma's Recipe

Elderflower soda is one of those magical drinks that reminds us of warm summer days when elderflowers are in full bloom, and their sweet aroma fills the air. This traditional beverage is not only refreshing but also packed with nutritional benefits, making it an excellent choice for hydration and revitalization. Grandma's elderflower soda recipe is simple yet steeped in tradition and deeply rooted in our culture. Let’s explore together how we can recreate this delicacy at home, step by step!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Fermentation time: 48 hours
Total time: 48 hours and 15 minutes
Number of servings: approximately 10

Ingredients:

- 10 large elderflower heads (choose fresh, unfiltered flowers)
- 300 g sugar (or 250 g honey for a more natural taste)
- 5 g fresh yeast
- 2 lemons, sliced
- 1 star anise
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 5 liters of still water (preferably filtered)
- 1 large 5-liter jar
- A wooden spoon
- A piece of clean cheesecloth

Preparation:

1. Preparing the jar: Start by thoroughly cleaning the 5-liter jar, ensuring it is sterilized. This will be the container where the magic of fermentation happens.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In the jar, add the 5 liters of still water, then add the sugar or honey. Stir well with a wooden spoon until the sugar or honey completely dissolves. It’s important to be patient during this step to achieve a well-balanced soda.

3. Adding the yeast: Dissolve the yeast in the water and sugar mixture, ensuring it is well incorporated. This step is essential for fermentation, so don’t skip it.

4. The elderflowers: Gently rinse the elderflowers under a cold stream of water to remove any impurities. Then, add them to the jar, gently submerging them with the wooden spoon.

5. Adding the flavors: Add the lemon slices, star anise, and cinnamon stick. These ingredients will give the elderflower soda a complex and aromatic flavor, turning it into a truly special drink.

6. Fermentation: Cover the jar with a piece of clean cheesecloth, ensuring it is well secured. Let the jar sit in a warm, sunny spot for 24 hours. The next day, gently stir with the wooden spoon to oxygenate the mixture and help activate the yeast, then cover it again.

7. Observing the fermentation: Over the next 24 hours, you will notice the mixture beginning to ferment, and the elderflower soda will take on a sweet and tangy flavor with a slightly cloudy texture. This is the sign that the soda is almost ready!

8. Straining: After 48 hours of fermentation, it’s time to strain the elderflower soda. Use cheesecloth to separate the liquid from the flowers and other solid ingredients. Make sure to squeeze the flowers well to extract all the flavor.

9. Serving: Once strained, the elderflower soda can be served immediately or left in the fridge to chill. It is delicious served with lemon slices or ice, having a refreshing taste perfect for warm days.

Useful tips:

- Buying elderflowers: Make sure the elderflowers are fresh and unfiltered. A quality choice will directly influence the taste of the soda. Look for flowers that have a light color and a pleasant fragrance.

- Fermentation: Temperature plays a crucial role in fermentation. If it’s too cold, the process will take longer. If it’s too warm, the soda may ferment too quickly. Ideally, it should be in a warm place, but not in direct sunlight.

- Variations: You can experiment by adding other ingredients, such as fresh mint or ginger, to give the soda a unique flavor. Also, instead of sugar, you can use maple syrup or agave for a healthier alternative.

Nutritional benefits:

Elderflower soda is rich in antioxidants due to the elderflowers, having anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. It also contains B vitamins, which help maintain a healthy nervous system.

Calories:

A serving of elderflower soda (approximately 250 ml) has about 60-80 calories, depending on the amount of sugar or honey used.

Delicious combinations:

Elderflower soda pairs perfectly with fruit pies, summer salads, or even fish dishes. It is also an excellent drink to serve at parties, alongside light appetizers or cheeses.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Why does the soda become cloudy?
- Cloudiness is a normal sign of fermentation when carbon dioxide builds up and forms air bubbles.

2. Can I use dry yeast?
- Yes, but you will need to adjust the amount. 5 g of fresh yeast is equivalent to about 1.5 g of dry yeast.

3. How can I store the soda?
- Once prepared, elderflower soda can be kept in the fridge for a few days, but it’s best to consume it within a week to enjoy fresh flavors.

4. Can I adapt the recipe to make it less sweet?
- Sure! Reduce the amount of sugar or honey, and the soda will have a less sweet taste but will still be just as delicious.

So, get ready to cool off with this delicious elderflower soda, made using grandma’s recipe! Whether you enjoy it alone or with loved ones, it will surely bring a smile to everyone’s face. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: Elderflower syrup recipe 10 large elderflowers 300 g sugar (or honey) 5 g yeast 2 lemons sliced 1 star anise 1 cinnamon stick 5 liters of still water 1 large jar (if you have a 5-liter one) a wooden spoon a piece of clean cheesecloth

 Tags:  elderflower cordial