The heavenly scent of elder flowers wafting through the air heralds the close arrival of Summer.
When summer is close at hand, the elderflowers go to blossom. Their characteristic creamy, honey-scented blooms have been boiled into a delicately flavored cordial since Roman times when Hippocrates expounded on its myriad uses. Termed “the medicine chest of the common people”, elder’s usage pre-dates the Stone Age and includes the berries, roots and flowers as well as the wood for making beautiful pipes.
It has been used as a home remedy for colds, tonsilitis and kidney ailments. Research shows that the traditional use of elderflower for diabetics has validity in regulating blood sugar levels.
There has been a resurgence in popularity of this ancient tonic that can be seen in the rise of elderflower cocktails served at higher end establishments using St Germain, an artisan crafted liqueur.
The lore of the elder tree is rich in Northern Europe where it has been considered a sacred tree among the native population.
Ancient peoples thought that the “Mother Elder” spirit inhabited the tree so the removal of its branches was considered bad luck unless they were used to make flutes (listen here) or magic wands.
Elder tree branches, twigs and bouquets were used by witches and created a bridge between this world and the spirit world. Shakespeare referred to the Elder in his Love’s Labour Lost citing the common medieval belief that Judas was hung from the Elder tree.
It was also thought that the Cavalry Cross was made from it as well thus becoming an emblem for suffering and death. However, as the cycles of life invariably move forward, the tree also signifies rebirth, regeneration and new life.
Kombucha flavored with elderflower has a dry, champagne like quality, especially when bottle aged for longer periods of time. Bring the delicate, sunkissed flavor of elderflower to your Kombucha recipes this Summer for a delightful treat!
The recipes below are for a 16oz bottle. Scale up or down depending on your taste preference and bottle size.
Sunny Delight Kombucha
Hints of citrus and floral give this Kombucha a refreshing twist.
- ½ tsp of elderflower
- 1 Tbsp of lemon juice or orange juice
- ½ tsp of sugar, honey or other sweetener
A light, delicious Kombucha flavor perfect for any weather!
Kombucha Mamma Sez: “You can also flavor old Kombucha with elderflower to make a delicious vinegar for salad dressings & marinades.”
English Garden Kombucha
Escape hot summer days with this cooling blend of cucumber, mint and elderflower reminiscent of elixirs enjoyed in Victorian times.
- 1 tsp of elderflower
- 3 slices of cucumber, finely diced
- 1 sprig of fresh mint or 1/2 tsp dried peppermint
Easy drinking with this smooth minty Kombucha flavor!
elderberries are also excellent
I still new to kombucha brewing and bottling, so forgive me if my question seems silly. But are the above flavoring combinations for a single bottle of kombucha? If so, how large a bottle, or does it even matter?
Also (sorry), is the amount dried or fresh elderflower? I’ve been driving around all day spying lots of fresh and planning to go wildcrafting later, and was delighted to come home and find this post. I love elderflowers!
Hi Susan! You can also use fresh elder flowers – they have their own yeast which will help increase the carbonation. Typically you can use less of the fresh than with the dried. Experiment with different quantities until you find the right blend for you =) I amended the post to reflect that the recipes indicated are for a 16oz bottle size. Let us know how they turn out!
Does one brew the elder flowers separate, then add to the finished Kombucha? or is it part of the fermentation process?
You can brew the elderflowers into a tisane or herbal infusion or add the flowers to your finished KT. We do not recommend adding the elderflowers during primary fermentation.