Elderflower: A Plant Full of Natural Treasures
May Is the Perfect Month to Discover Blooming Elderflower, Perhaps During a Walk in Nature
As always, nature offers us precious resources—if we know how to recognize and gather them with care and respect.
Elderflower: Characteristics, Benefits, and Uses of an Extraordinary Plant
Elderflower is not just a beautiful and fragrant plant—it’s a treasure trove of history, health, flavor, and folk magic. May is the ideal time to harvest its blossoms and reconnect with simple yet meaningful traditions. Elder has been known for centuries for its beneficial properties and many uses. Found throughout Europe and parts of Asia and North America, it has long been considered a true ally for health and natural cooking. In this article, we’ll explore its features, benefits, and how to use it best.
Elderflower: Curiosities and Folklore
Elder is steeped in legend and symbolism. In many European folk traditions, it was considered sacred and protective against evil spirits. People believed it was home to fairies or benevolent nature spirits, and cutting it down without “asking permission” was said to bring bad luck. In the countryside, it was often planted near homes to protect families from misfortune or hung in flowered branches over doorways as a charm. In folk medicine, elder was called “the people’s pharmacy” thanks to its wide range of healing uses.
Elderflower at Podere Il Casale Botanical Characteristics
Elder is a shrub that can grow up to 6–8 meters tall. It grows wild in the countryside, woods, along paths, and in uncultivated land. Its compound leaves are dark green, and its small white flowers bloom from late spring to early summer, releasing a sweet and unmistakable scent. Podere Il Casale is lucky to be surrounded by beautiful elder plants that, in May, fill the area with their fragrance.
May is when the plant reaches peak bloom, offering a unique visual and aromatic experience. This is also the perfect time to harvest the blossoms for culinary or medicinal use.
Health Benefits and Culinary Uses of Elderflower
Elder has long been valued for its medicinal properties, used in both traditional remedies and modern herbal medicine. Its benefits range from anti-inflammatory to detoxifying, and it also acts as a natural mild laxative.
Elderflower is incredibly versatile in the kitchen:
- Elderflowers can be dipped in batter and fried (elderflower fritters) or used to make syrups and refreshing drinks. One of the most popular preparations is elderflower syrup, which is delicious diluted in water or prosecco.
- Elderberries, once cooked, are used to make jams, jellies, syrups, and liqueurs. In some Northern European countries, elder is also used in soups and desserts.
Elder is much more than a wild plant—it’s a natural treasure, waiting to be rediscovered and celebrated.
Whether you use it for your well-being, in your cooking, or in homemade cosmetics, it’s essential to understand both its benefits and the precautions needed when using it.
