Blooming In Nashville HSMT Magazine - Magazine - Page 73
Simple And
Delicious
Recipe: Deby Pitts
Photo: Svitlana
lder昀氀ower is a delightful and aromatic
昀氀ower that is believed to have bene昀椀cial
health properties. It is commonly found in
hedgerows, woodland areas, and along riverbanks.
The elder tree, or typically reaches a height of 3 to
9 metres and bears clusters of delicate, creamcoloured 昀氀owers during the blooming season. It is
important to correctly identify the elder昀氀ower, as
there are quite a few other similar looking plants
that bloom at the same time. The elder昀氀ower has
昀椀ve to seven leaves shaped like a feather, with a
single leaf at the top. The leaves have the edges
crested, and they may have tiny hairs underneath.
E
The blooming period of the elder昀氀ower is very
short, from late May to mid June. Elder昀氀ower is
rich in 昀氀avonoids, antioxidants, and other bioactive
compounds that contribute to its medicinal
properties. It is believed that elder昀氀ower has
positive bene昀椀ts on the immune system, ease
breathing during colds, have anti-in昀氀ammatory
properties, diuretic effects and soothes the skin
rashes.
The Romanian Cook Book
Ingredients
• 8 to 10 Elderberry Flower Clusters/Umbels
• 1 gallon water
• 1 sliced lemon
• 1/2 cup to 2 cups Sugar or honey (to taste)
• 2 grams yeast (optional)
Directions
• OCATA (Romanian elder昀氀ower drink)
• About 8-10 whole 昀氀owers (umbels with stems
removed)
• 1 gallon of water ( 昀椀ltered )
• 1 sliced lemon
• Sugar or honey to taste 1/2c to 2 c ( yeast 2 g
optional)
Two primary ways to make Socata:
Rinse and drain elder昀氀owers and lemons.
Method 1. Add all ingredients to a glass container
and put in sunlight. It will be like a tea in about 24/48
hrs without yeast.
Method 2: Boil sugar and water and pour over
昀氀owers and lemon. Put mixture in large container
when cooling a little and add yeast once mixture
is tepid…With yeast it will be like a 昀椀zzy tea after 2
days, a mead after 4-6 and like a bubbly sparkling
wine after 6-9 ( possibly more yeast will be added
on day 3-4 if not becoming quite bubbly.
If you use a large clear drink dispenser and need to
scale up do not add more than 2 sliced lemons for
up to 5 gal; the other ingredients scale true.
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