They can be made into he althy and delicious teas and provide a natural ingredient for making syrup. But harvesting elderflowers requires some skill. It takes place during a certain time in the summer.
When and how should you harvest elderflower umbels?
Elderflower umbels are ideally harvested between June and early July on full sunny days, not immediately after a rainy day. The umbels should have fully opened petals for an intense aroma. Avoid washing the cones to preserve valuable flavors.
When the time has come
From June to early July, elderflowers are ready for harvest. The fragrant elderberry umbels are harvested on sunny days. Picking should not take place immediately after a rainy day, otherwise the flowers will have less pollen and will no longer taste as sweet. When the petals are fully open, the aroma is particularly intense.
Procedure:
- cancel entire umbels
- Shake the inflorescences vigorously so that insects escape
- Place elderflowers in a wicker basket in an airy place
Tip
You should not wash the cones as this will result in the loss of valuable flavors. Instead, pick brown flowers by hand and remove dirt by tapping them off.
