Elderflower

Fleur de sureau

What it is

The story goes that the genus name Sambucus comes from the sambuke, an ancient instrument, because the soft pith of elder wood pushes out to leave a tube. What is certain is the window: the heads hold their muscat scent for barely three weeks, and only while dry — one picked after rain has already lost it.

In the kitchen

Never wash the heads: the wild yeasts and pollen on them start a cordial fermenting and carry most of the scent. Shake the insects out, snip away every green stem, and use within hours of picking.

Goes with

Gooseberry Rhubarb Strawberry Lemon Cider vinegar Cream

Same species

Elderberry

Also used with

Clary sage Fish gelatine High-acyl gellan gum Sunflower lecithin Meadowsweet White currant

In season alongside

Oriental Beauty oolong Black locust flower Apricot Bee pollen Cantaloupe melon Damask rose petals

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