A warning, if you suffer from hayfever, wear a mask when collecting elderflowers.
I saw a lovely recipe on the Grow your own grapevine and, as I have a tree right behind the terrace, I thought I'd have a go.
I set off with my trusty blue bowl and scissors and went about collecting the elderflower heads - 12 to be precise. I heard somewhere that you should ask the Elder tree for permission before you take any of the flowers or fruit. Wishing to avoid making something that resembles cat pee, I didn't chance it and asked her first.
Feeling very pleased with myself, I came in to the kitchen and set about cutting the flower heads off the stalks and started sneezing... and sneezing, and sneezing. I hadn't given a thought to just how much pollen there would be in a small bowl of elderflower heads but there certainly is a lot. If you have a look at the picture below, you should be able to make out the pollen on the edge of the bowl.
I don't have the right amount of sugar or lemons and I had to use cider vinegar instead of white wine vinegar so we shall have to see how it goes should be alright shouldn't it?! I shall let you know how it is in a couple of weeks time when it should be ready for drinking.
