Elderflower Cordial - a refreshing change
Posted by Gaynor Birkhead on
Elderflower Cordial
#Elderflower tea is a pleasant caffeine free tea substitute which has a heady, floral and somewhat fruity flavour and a delightful aroma.
Elderflower has been used in traditional medicine all over the world in many different cultures due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. The most common uses are for colds and flu, sinus infections, and other respiratory disturbances. As a supplement, elderflower also has diuretic and laxative properties and is helpful in relieving occasional constipation. Elderflower has antibacterial and antiviral properties and may also help alleviate some allergies and boost the functioning of the immune system. Topically, elderflower might help reduce pain and swelling in joints due to some forms of arthritis and is used to stop bleeding. As an oral rinse, elderflower can be used for its antiseptic properties as a mouthwash and gargle. Elderflower also reduces blood sugar levels, very similar to the way insulin works.
To make a mug of elderflower tea add 1-2g of the elderflowers to a teapot, infuser or one of our teabags. Pour over enough fresh boiling water as required. Strain into a mug, sweeten with preferred sweetener e.g. honey and serve. Serve without milk, elderflower tea can also be served chilled like ice tea.
Sold in 100 gram bags.
All in all, another refreshing tipple from theuklooseleafteacompany. Why not try something different? Try making your own Elderflower cordial! A refreshing change from mundane everyday diluted drinks; although, possibly a little sweet; when diluted, a healthier option to our usual off the shelf thirst quencher. We here at theuklooseleafteacompany are quite chuffed with this one, we are trying Ginger cordial next! (makes 1ltr) :-
100g of theuklooseleafteacompany Elderflower tea
500g Sugar
4tbs Runny Honey
Zest and Juice of 1 Medium Lemon
1ltr Water
Put Sugar, Honey & Lemon into a saucepan; bring the liquid to the boil; switch off heat and add the Elderflowers. Ensure the Elderflowers are completely immersed; cover and leave overnight. Strain through a clean muslin cloth, and hey presto – job done. Dilute to taste, around 5 parts water to 1 part cordial, but you may like different.
We have now tried this several times and from different UK based websites and would like to offer our own which is slightly altered as find the others too sweet:
100g of theuklooseleafteacompany Elderflower tea
250g Sugar
4tbs Runny Honey
Zest and Juice of 2 Medium Lemons
1ltr Water
This once drained will last about 2 weeks in the fridge and dilutes down in a similar way to normal squash.
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- Tags: and other respiratory disturbances, anti-inflammatory properties, antibacterial and antiviral properties, antiseptic, Caffeine Free, colds and flu, Cordial, diuretic and laxative properties, Elderflower, sinus infections