The elders [or Sambucus Nigra] have long been associated with the summers of the British Isles, so there is often growth in the UK, and beyond, including Europe and North America. It has a long history and is used in a variety of homemade recipes, medicines and cosmetics, including tea, cold and flu remedies and the popular Elderflower Cordial. So how can you make the most of this free bounty?
If the weather is good, Elderflowers will begin to bloom at the end of May [in the UK] and they will be rich throughout June. When the flowers are dry, it is best to pick the elders on a dry day - so avoid picking when it is wet when it is raining or dew. You want to bloom, but if they start to brown, it's really too late. Cut the main stems instead of trying to tear or pinch them as this will avoid damage to the crops and the plants themselves. You also want to avoid crushing them after picking - wicker baskets are ideal, although putting them in a tote can work [just don't press them there!].
Remember, you never want to strip the tree - or no berries can be harvested in a year. As a golden rule, just take what you will use - waste it again.
If fresh, I recommend using them up to 24 hours or they will start to brown and die. Store them in a cool, dark room or garage until they are usually sufficient.
Or, if you want to store it later this week or want to continue using it for a year, drying them out would be a better option. You put them on a tray and put them in a cool, airy space that will dry out in a few hours. They lose a little color in this way, but when they dry, they are filled with a lovely honey-like aroma. Whether you squeeze the flowers from the stem before or after drying depends on your personal preference.
After drying, you can gently wipe the flowers on the stems [if they are not removed before drying] and store them in brown paper bags or glass jars - away from direct sunlight. They will keep it for a year - after this time, it is best to make a new batch of alternatives.
Orignal From: How to pick and store elderflowers
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