Elderflower tea (AIP)

Light, floral herbal tea - helps fight off colds and flu

My elderflowers have dried thoroughly, and they are ready for the coming winter to be used as a herbal tea to soothe symptoms of the common cold.

In June I have collected clean, full-in-bloom flowers from unpolluted areas (made some very refreshing summer drinks: Ginger-lime elderflower cordial, Minted elderflower lemonade, Elderflower fizz), then I have cut them into smaller flower clusters (discarding the tougher stems), arranged them on a kitchen towel and placed them away for direct sunshine to dry undisturbed for at least 6 weeks. After that I have put them in a paper bag to keep them dry. In a week or so I will put them in a jar with a tight lid to keep them fresh for the winter ahead.

I have test-brewed the first cups of this year's harvest. All is good. Excellent taste, very pleasant and floral. It will make a good winter tea no doubt.

To prepare the ELDERFLOWER TEA: Take 1 heaped tbsp dried elderflower and put it into 250-400 ml freshly boiled filtered water. Cover with a lid and let it steep for 6 to 8 mins. Pour the tea through a fine mesh tea strainer to catch all the flower bits. You can enjoy your caffeine-free tea (any time of the day) as it is or flavour with a slice of lemon and/or a few drops of honey. Enjoy!