BLOOMING ELDERFLOWER

The popular elderflower blossom was used 3500BC by ancient Egyptians according to www.teapro.co.uk/elderflower-tea/ for its medicinal healing purposes which they swore by. It still remains popular today for relaxation and de-stressing people.

Its appearance is white to pale cream in colour, usually found in rural locations all around the world. Its presence is commonly seen in Northern hemispheres, with at least 10 different species which have been discovered in North America. Its aromas, scent, smells sweet like a wet dew.

The different types of elderflower's plant names are as follows:

Sambucus Mexicana (European version).

Sambucus Nigra. (in Mexico).

Sambucus australasica.

Sambucus Adnata (Asian dwarf elders).

The healing properties it contains has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory benefits to this flower. Traditionally it is used in herbal medicines, to treat colds, flu's, runny noses, sinus infections, allergies and asthma. It also helps boosts immune systems especially more than ever during these very strange changing times of coronavirus pandemic is needed more than ever.

It has diuretic and laxative effects as well as, antiviral properties. This plant also reduces arthritic painful joints, swelling of joints, helps stop bleeding, lowers diabetic blood sugars, acts as nature's insulin injection and can be used as a mouthwash. It is also very relaxing and great for destressing yourself.

Research by www.herbwisdom.com/herb-elderflower.html in Ireland showed that elderflower extract was effective in killing MRSA in hospitals pathogens. This scientific finding found it has anti-bacterial properties.

Active ingredients rich in;

Bioflavonoids.

Anti-oxidants.

Anti-cancer.

Anti-inflammatory.

Chlorogenic acids.

Cinnamic acids.

Triterpenoids.

B-amyrin.

Oleanolic acid.

Anti-high chloresterol.

Elderflowers are available to buying forms of:

Dried cut flowers.

Tea bags.

Tinctures.

Concentrated liquids like cordials.

Pills.

Capsules.

Alcoholic wines.

ELDERFLOWER TEA RECIPE.

INGREDIENTS. SERVES 1 PERSON.

2 teaspoons of elderflower.

1 pint boiling hot water.

(Optional). 2 teaspoons runny honey or lemon juice.

Directions.

1. To brew the elderflowers, add it to a teapot and pour boiling hot water in.

2. Mix this with a spoon and wait 5 minutes to infuse.

3. You can now strain the tea into a large mug and sip it slowly for the maximum relaxing benefits to destress all your cares away.

4. (OPTIONAL) You can stir in runny honey or lemon juice to enhance the flavour of the drink if you like. Then just enjoy sipping it slowly to generate all the goodness from the plant.

LEMON AND ELDERFLOWER SHORTBREAD RECIPE

Here is another alternative healthy way of how to make use of elderflowers the vegan way.

INGREDIENTS

175g plain flour.

50g caster sugar.

190g vegan butter.

Zest and juice of 2 lemons.

130g icing sugar.

2 tablespoons any plant-based milk.

1 1/2 tablespoons elderflower cordial.

50g lemon curd.

40g melted vegan chocolate.

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 180C/gas mark 4/fan assisted ovens 160C.

2. Add the flour, sugar, diced butter and half the zest of lemons into a food processor and pulse into fine breadcrumbs texture. Add 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice at a time and whizz it up until it forms a ball of dough. Wrap in clingfilm and chill in fridge for an hour to firm up.

3. Roll out the dough between 2 sheets of non-stick baking paper to 1cm thick. Line 2 large baking sheets with non-stick baking paper. Use a fluted cookie cutter. Cut out 20 rounds and transfer to prepared baking trays.

4. Bake for 4-6 minutes until lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and leave to cool for 5 minutes on cooling racks.

5. Meanwhile, beat the softened butter with the icing sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the milk until well combined, then add the elderflower cordial.

6. Spread or pipe a layer onto the base of the shortbread biscuits. Spread each biscuit with 1 teaspoon lemon curd, then sandwich together the other piece.

7. Drizzle with chocolate in a zig-zag pattern and scatter the remaining lemon zest. Leave to set for at least an hour and store in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 to 4 days maximum to keep its freshness.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Best enjoyed eaten at room temperature with a mug of luxurious hot chocolate or a relaxing mug of lady grey tea.