Elderflowers And Explosives by helenmoss

Elderflowers And Explosives

At this time of year the hedgerows are full of frothy cream-coloured heads of elderflower. After a grey day, the sun came out this evening and Will and I headed out to the fields to pick a huge bagful to make elderflower cordial. All you have to do is steep the elderflowers in sugar syrup overnight, with lots of lemon and citric acid. It smells and tastes like summer in a bottle.
Citric acid comes in powder-form and can be bought from the chemist (pharmacy) very cheaply. However, it is a controlled substance and you are not allowed to buy more than a small quantity at a time. This is because it has only two common uses: (1) making elderflower cordial and (2) making explosives. I don't know what proportion of the stocks are sold for each purpose, but I do know it is often sold-out during the first weeks of June when elderflowers are blossoming!
Beautiful triptych and interesting facts!
June 11th, 2010  
I am such a dummy when it comes to plants, I never knew that's what the these flowers were called. We have lots of them down by our way. Good to know, and Great pic Helen! :o)
June 11th, 2010  
Interesting. I never knew this! I'd love to smell some...! Beautiful pictures as well!
June 12th, 2010  
Like the collage...I have seen these flowers but being that I am not a "flower person" (well, maybe I was a 'flower child' back in the late 60s-haha) I never knew the name...also never knew you could make a cordial out of them...not sure I would like a drink that tastes like flowers ...but you seem to think it is good...so, OK...I will give it a try...send me a little taste please! lol
June 12th, 2010  
summer in a bottle, wow, sounds wonderful to me! beautiful flowers and thanks for the information. :)
June 12th, 2010  
My friend, Enid, http://365project.org/Weezilou/365/2010-06-07 made elderflower cordial each summer, and yes, it was a treat! Lucky you to have bushes full...that's quite a crop! I forwarded your beautiful photos and information to Enid and another friend who makes the cordial as well.
June 12th, 2010  
Nice collage - and interesting backstory!
June 12th, 2010  
really wonderful collage! and your story is always interesting :)
June 12th, 2010  
agree great collage Helen. I love how you've shown different aspects of this plant.
June 12th, 2010  
That's cool. I might keep an eye out for some later....
June 12th, 2010  
This is hilarious, I have only just recovered from crying with laughter at the thought of the possible survey asking if the consumer of citric acid is intending to make elderflower cordial or a bomb....brilliant!!
June 12th, 2010  
Oh the knitted highland terriers, had forgotten all about those! I also like the little Barbi rucksacks, yes will keep them, infact the jumpers are worthy of being on display on little hangers, if I had any little hangers...mmm could make some out of wire....mmm
June 12th, 2010  
Must stop saying "little"
June 12th, 2010  
i hope you have got some good tight tops on your bottles or you might have an explosion!
June 12th, 2010  
Nice shots. I had no idea that citric acid was used in making explosives. That explains why, here in France, you have to order it 24 hours in advance.
June 13th, 2010  
wonderful pics, and a really interesting story. I'll have to check to see if I can get elderberry bushes here in the states. They are beautiful, and apparently tasty! smile.
June 14th, 2010  
love, love, love this collage!
June 14th, 2010  
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