In our cozy corner of the internet, we aim to share easy and delicious recipes that bring your garden produce into your kitchen. One of our favorites is everything to do with Elderflower. This easy Elderflower Jelly (or Jam ) recipe captures the delicate and floral aroma of elderflowers. This Elderflower Jelly (Jam) recipe is sure to enchant your senses and become a favorite in your home, it has become one of my favorites anyway.
What is Elderflower?
Elderflower comes from the elderberry tree, which blooms with beautiful clusters of tiny, creamy-white flowers in late spring to early summer. These flowers have been used for centuries in various culinary and medicinal applications. Their light, floral flavor makes them an excellent addition to desserts, drinks, and, of course, jams. When making Elderflower Jam, it’s essential to harvest the flowers at their peak to capture their full essence.
When is the best time to harvest Elderflowers ?
Since, elderflower season is short, we have to pick them quickly about just the time they bloom. In my older posts, I have shared a couple of Elderflower recipes – Elderflower Cordial, and Elderflower Mint Syrup which are refreshing summer drinks. Otherwise, they turn to berries. On the other hand, with the berries you can make a jam, compote, or make an immune boosting cold and flu syrup.
The best time to pick the flowers is between late May to June. This also depends on the sub-climate in each zone of Europe. Choose a sunny day to harvest your elderflowers, preferably in the morning when their scent is the strongest.
How to make Elderflower Jam Recipe
Tools you may need
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Big stainless steel sauce pan.
Heavy bottom Pot
Mixing bowl
Elderflower Jelly Recipe Video
Ingredients for making Elderflower Jelly
- 3 Cups of Elderflowers removed from the stalks
- 3 cups of Pectin sugar
- 3 cups of Apple Juice
- Juice of a lemon
Instructions to Make Elderflower Jelly ( or Jam ) Recipe
Harvesting Elderflowers
- Choose a sunny day to harvest your elderflowers, preferably in the morning when their scent is the strongest.
- Gently shake the flower heads to remove any insects and avoid washing them, as this can dilute their flavor. Instead, inspect them carefully and clean if necessary. On the other hand, if you want to wash them, just shortly run them under running water.
- Snip the flower heads just below the blossoms, removing as much of the green stems as possible.
Prepare the Elderflowers
- Place the elderflower heads in a large bowl and pour the apple juice over them.
- Add the lemon juice to the bowl. Or you can add the juice while making the jam too.
- Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let it sit for 24-48 hours to allow the flavors to infuse.
How to make Elderflower Jelly ( or Jam )
- After infusing the flower, strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large pot. Discard the spent flowers.
- Add the pectin sugar to the pot and stir well to dissolve. In case you are using normal sugar and adding pectin separately, follow the instructions on the pectin package.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently.
- Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until it reaches a thick, jam-like consistency. You can test this by placing a small spoonful on a chilled plate, if it gels and holds its shape then it’s ready to be bottled.
Canning the finished Elderflower Jelly
- While the jam is simmering, sterilize your jars and lids by boiling them in water for 10 minutes.
- Carefully ladle the hot jam into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top.
- Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue, then seal with the lids.
- Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure a proper seal.
- Remove the jars from the water bath and let them cool completely. You should hear a “pop” as the lids seal.
How long can you store your Elderflower Jelly ?
Store your cooled in a cool and dark place. I usually store my jams in our celler which is cooler. Because, our cellar is cool and dark this Elderflower jelly will keep for a year. Once opened, store the jam in the refrigerator and use it within a few weeks.
Elderflower Jelly (or Jam ) Serving Tips
Elderflower Jam is a versatile and delightful treat. We spread our elderflower jelly on our homemade bread toasts, scones and pancakes. Other possible uses are to use it as a filling for cakes and pastries. Moreover, I love to add all of my homemade jams and jelly’s into gift baskets.
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Ingredients
Instructions
