Hyldeblomster (Elderflowers) has played a big role in Nordic mythology. It was believed that the goddess Freja lived by the Elderflowers and that the bushes provided protection from evil. The flowers were also thought to give relief from ailments such as toothaches, fevers, depression and insomnia. In today’s modern Denmark Elderflowers are still very popular but for different reasons. Today the mature flowers are used to make a wonderful tasty juice concentrate. The Elderflower bushes can be found growing wild in the woods, fields or parks and the time to harvest the fragrant flowers is in early June. I have never come across Elderflowers here where we live, then again, I haven’t really gone scavenger hunting for them either. In any case, I did come across some delicious Elderflower concentrate at my all-time favorite store IKEA and wanted to share with you this refreshing drink which is perfect for the hot summer days here in Virginia.
Ingredients:
Makes 1 glass
Hyldeblomst (Elderflower) with Water
1/4 cup Elderflower concentrate
3/4 cup ice-cold water
ice cubes
lemon slice
Hyldeblomst (Elderflower) with Carbonated Water (and Rum)
1/4 cup Elderflower concentrate
3/4 cup carbonated water (such as Perrier)
ice cubes
1 shot Captain Morgan’s Spiced Rum (optional)
Directions:
Making sure the water or carbonated water is ice-cold, mix with concentrate. Add ice cubes and remaining ingredients such as lemon slice and rum if desired. Enjoy!
Source: My Danish Kitchen
I think that elder can grow everywhere. Maybe you should bring a sapling from Denmark for your garden? It grows like mad when first it gets started. We have them everywhere around the grass field. Have a nice weekend! Karen
Thank you Karen, that is not a bad idea!! That is, if I could bring it through customs.
Is it that hard to bring a cutling through customs nowadays? Usually they are mainly afraid of plants with soil on them – the soil might contain vira of some kind. Within the EU you can bring plants – but maybe it is different for the US. But I know that elder grows all over the world so maybe you can find an American elder.
It looks really refreshing and lovely 🙂