It used to be said that summer truly began with the blooming of the Elderflowers and ended with the ripening of the Elderberries. Elderflowers can be seen all over Hollingdean from late May to late June. They have a long tradition of use both as herbal medicine and as the base for wines, champagnes and cordials. Elderflowers are a great herbal remedy for Hay fever, sniffly noses and colds because they help clear congested sinuses. They can also help bring down a temperature by gently promoting sweating to help cool the body down and can help cool hormonal hot flushes. Elderflowers can be made into a delicious tea by simply picking them, popping them straight into a teapot and steeping them for 10 minutes. This can be drunk warm or cold. Another nice way to enjoy and preserve Elderflowers is to make a Cordial. INSTRUCTIONS: Fill a teapot or pan with elderflowers (Don’t wash them, as you’ll wash away the pollen). Pour boiling water over them, cover and steep for at least 2 hours. Strain off the flowers using a clean tea towel. Add the strained juice of 1 lemon. Measure the liquid. Put the liquid in a saucepan and gently heat until simmering. Add twice the amount of Sugar as liquid and gently dissolve, stirring all the time. (e.g. for 500mls of liquid add 1kg of sugar). Once dissolved take off the heat. Label and bottle. Keep in the fridge for longer shelf life.

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