Elder Flower Wine

Elder Flower Wine Recipe from Maldives

Region / culture: Maldives | Preparation time: 3 days | Cooking time: 9 months | Servings: 10-12

Introduction

Elderflower wine is a delightful and fragrant beverage that is perfect for enjoying on a warm summer day. Made from elderflower florets, this wine has a unique floral flavor that is both refreshing and delicious.

History

Elderflower wine has been enjoyed for centuries, with recipes dating back to medieval times. Elderflowers have long been used in traditional medicine and cooking, and making wine from these delicate blooms is a wonderful way to preserve their flavor.

Ingredients

3 large heads of elderflower florets
140 ml white grape concentrate
1 kg white sugar
1 tsp citric acid
1 tsp yeast nutrient
1 tsp grape tannin or a strong cup of tea
wine yeast
1 Campden tablet

How to prepare

Before pinching the flowers, ensure they are suitable for wine making. Some varieties may have a strong odor. To check suitability, pinch a flower between your fingers and smell it. Always pick the flowers when they are dry and open, under the sun.
After selecting the appropriate flowers, remove the florets from the stalks and place them in a bucket. Add 2.5 liters of boiling water and cover the bucket for two days. Stir the mixture at least twice a day. On the third day, dissolve the yeast and a teaspoon of sugar in half a cup of warm water. Boil 0.5 liters of water and pour the dissolved syrup into a jar.
Strain the flowers and combine the liquid with citric acid and yeast nutrient (dissolve the nutrient in a small amount of warm water) in the jar with the syrup. Fill the jar up to the shoulder with cold water. Fit a rubber bung and a half-filled airlock, then place the jar in a warm location. Shake the jar daily until fermentation is complete.
Transfer the wine into a clean jar and top it up with cold water. Add a crushed Campden tablet. Refit the bung and airlock, and allow the wine to mature in a cool place. Rack the wine every three months. It can be consumed after 9 months, but it is best to let it age for a year.

Variations

For a sweeter wine, you can increase the amount of sugar in the recipe. You can also experiment with adding different fruits or herbs to create unique flavor combinations.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When making elderflower wine, be sure to use only the florets of the elderflower, as the stems can impart a bitter taste to the wine. It's also important to pick the flowers when they are dry and open, as this will ensure the best flavor in your wine.

Serving Suggestions

Elderflower wine is best enjoyed chilled on its own or paired with light appetizers and cheeses.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making elderflower wine is to allow the flowers to infuse in the water for several days before adding the yeast and other ingredients. This will ensure that the wine has a strong elderflower flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find elderflowers, you can try using dried elderflowers or elderflower syrup as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

Elderflower wine needs to age for at least 9 months before it is ready to drink, so be sure to plan ahead if you want to enjoy this delicious beverage.

Presentation Ideas

Serve elderflower wine in elegant wine glasses garnished with fresh elderflowers for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Elderflower wine pairs well with light salads, seafood dishes, and fruit desserts.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store elderflower wine in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Once opened, store in the refrigerator and consume within a few days.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of elderflower wine contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of elderflower wine contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Elderflower wine is fat-free.

Proteins

Elderflower wine does not contain any protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Elderflower wine is a good source of vitamin C and antioxidants.

Alergens

Elderflower wine may contain sulfites, which can cause allergic reactions in some individuals.

Summary

Elderflower wine is a light and refreshing beverage that is low in calories and fat, making it a great choice for those looking for a delicious and unique drink option.

Summary

Elderflower wine is a delightful and fragrant beverage that is perfect for enjoying on a warm summer day. Made with elderflower florets, this wine has a unique floral flavor that is both refreshing and delicious.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a warm summer day, the sun was shining brightly, and the air was filled with the sweet scent of elderflowers. I was walking through the woods near my childhood home, searching for wild herbs and plants to use in my cooking.

As I wandered through the forest, I stumbled upon a small clearing filled with elderflower bushes. The delicate white blooms were swaying gently in the breeze, and I couldn't resist picking a few to take home with me. I had always been fascinated by elderflowers and their delicate flavor, and I knew that I wanted to find a way to incorporate them into my cooking.

When I got back to my kitchen, I started researching different recipes for elderflowers. I found recipes for elderflower syrup, elderflower cordial, and even elderflower fritters. But it was the recipe for elderflower wine that caught my eye. I had never made wine before, but I was determined to give it a try.

The recipe called for a few simple ingredients: elderflowers, sugar, lemons, and water. I gathered everything I needed and set to work. I carefully plucked the elderflowers from their stems, being sure to remove any bugs or debris. I then placed them in a large bowl and added the sugar and the zest of the lemons.

Next, I boiled some water and poured it over the elderflowers, sugar, and lemon zest. I stirred the mixture until the sugar had dissolved, then covered the bowl with a clean cloth and let it sit for three days. Each day, I would stir the mixture and watch as the flavors melded together, creating a fragrant and intoxicating aroma.

After three days, I strained the mixture through a fine mesh sieve, being careful to press out as much liquid as possible. I then poured the liquid into sterilized bottles and sealed them with corks. I placed the bottles in a cool, dark place and waited patiently for the wine to ferment.

Weeks passed, and I would check on my elderflower wine every so often, watching as it slowly transformed from a sweet, floral liquid into a crisp and refreshing wine. The scent of elderflowers filled my kitchen, and I knew that my hard work had paid off.

Finally, the day arrived when my elderflower wine was ready to be tasted. I poured myself a glass and took a sip, savoring the delicate flavors of the elderflowers and lemons. The wine was light and slightly fizzy, with a subtle sweetness that lingered on my tongue. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I knew that I had stumbled upon something truly special.

I shared my elderflower wine with friends and family, and they were all amazed by its unique flavor and aroma. They couldn't believe that I had made it myself, using only a few simple ingredients and a little bit of patience.

From that day on, elderflower wine became a staple in my kitchen. I would make batch after batch, experimenting with different ratios of elderflowers, sugar, and lemons. Each bottle was a testament to my love of cooking and my passion for creating something beautiful and delicious from the bounty of nature.

To this day, whenever I see elderflowers blooming in the woods, I am reminded of that warm summer day when I first discovered the recipe for elderflower wine. It is a memory that I will cherish forever, a reminder of the joy and satisfaction that comes from creating something truly special with your own two hands.