This week in aid of Mental Health Awareness week we have been publishing a series of seasonal recipes with foraged ingredients by local nutritional therapist Belinda Blake.

Read more about Belinda and the benefits of foraging for mental health here: Forage your way to improved wellbeing this Mental Health Awareness Week.

Get Back to Nature with Foraging: Elderflower Cordial, by Belinda Blake

The Elder tree is steeped in folklore and it is said that summer arrives with the elderflowers and ends when the elderberries appear on the tree.

In some places The Elder tree is known as the 'witch's tree' and you are warned to always ask permission before taking anything from the tree, lest the 'Mother Elder' come looking for you … you have been warned!

Ingredients (makes 2 litres)

About 15-20 elderflower heads (gathered with permission of the Elder)

Finely grated zest of 2 unwaxed lemons plus their juice

Finely grated zest of 1 orange plus its juice

1kg sugar

1 heaped tsp citric acid (optional)

1. 5 litres water

Method

Place the sugar and water into a large saucepan and gently heat until boiling point, stirring occasionally until all the sugar has dissolved, then remove from the heat.

Inspect the elderflower heads carefully and remove any insects before adding the flowers to the hot liquid, along with the zest and juice of 2 lemons and 1 orange and citric acid (if using).

Cover and leave to infuse for at least a few hours or, ideally, overnight.

Strain the liquid through a scalded jelly bag or piece of muslin cloth and pour into sterilized bottles.

I store my bottles in the fridge.

This cordial is delicious diluted with plain or sparkling water or blended into cocktails or mocktails, or made into a sorbet or drizzled over fruit salad …

Other recipes from Belinda:

- Wild Pesto

- Nettle Soup

Read more about Belinda and the benefits of foraging for mental health here: Forage your way to improved wellbeing this Mental Health Awareness Week.