Elderflower season again

It's the time of the year again for Elderflower cordial-making. I recently picked about thirty heads of the flowers from Abney Cemetery to make a fresh batch of cordial (as to the recipe from my blog entry last July. I was wondering about what other things elderflowers can be used for, and I stumbled across a couple of new recipes online. There are some good recipes here that include elderflower sorbet, elderflower fritters, elderflower jam, elderflower milkshake and many more.

Elderflower Folklore

* One name for it is the Judas Tree, as it was thought to be the tree Judas Iscariot hanged himself from

* To fell a tree without suitable protection could free a spirit called the Elder Mother to take her revenge

* The elderflower was said to be a protection against witches, and a knotted twig kept in the pocket was a charm against rheumatism

* Elderflowers were apparently never struck by lightning, and a cross of elder fastened above stables would protect the animals from evil Medicinal benefits

* Elderflower cordials and elderberry wines are high in vitamins A, B and C

* In A Modern Herbal of 1931, Mrs Grieves recommends an elderflower infusion, taken hot before bed, as a remedy for colds and throat trouble

* Mrs Grieves swears by elder leaves as an insect deterrent. The foul-smelling bruised leaves around tender plants and buds prevent attack by aphids and cater-pillars, and gardeners can add a sprig to their hatband to ward off midges

* Medical herbalist Christine Houghton says a daily elderflower infusion, made with fresh flowers, is helpful in preventing hay fever