Fragrant Elderflowers

Each June, the elderberry orchard turns snowy white with the bursting of the elderflower blossoms. Like giant snowballs at the ends of the elderberry bush branches, they send a light sweet fragrance through the heated winds that blow through the farm. There are so many emotions that emerge with the burst of new life on these nearly 9 foot bushes. I am reminded of the beauty of Mother Nature and her ability to delight me each year at this time. I muse over the intelligence of a plant that was dormant with bare branches only a few scant months ago, to produce teeny tiny flowers that group together in clusters resembling one giant white flower. I am excited at the emergence of such beauty and for the berries to come. I know that if elderflowers are to be crafted into a cordial, a body care product, fritters or tea, they must be harvested quickly as they begin to metamorphosize into berries in as little as a week. With a heart overflowing with gratitude, I am reminded of the circle of life, how short-lived we all are and how we must celebrate our uniqueness, our beauty and value in the world with the short time that the Great Mother allots us all.

Enjoy this recipe for Elderflower Cordial - one of my favorites as a refreshing summer indulgence:

6 clusters of Elderflowers (shake to be sure each cluster is insect free!)

1 lemon, sliced thinly

Raw local honey to taste

Add Elderflowers and lemon slices to 1 gallon of water in a stockpot. Cover and allow to steep for 24 hours. After steeping, strain into a glass pitcher and add raw local honey to taste. This cordial will last up to two weeks in the refrigerator. Decorating each glass you pour over ice with a few elderflowers sprinkled on top and a lemon slice on the rim of the glass is a fun addition!