The lives of my ancestors in the heart of Europe unfolded in perfect harmony with the changing of the seasons. Unlike today’s excessively technological society, they were in tune with their surroundings, following the rhythms of nature. Nature provided them with fresh, seasonal, and pure food. While today I can find anything at the supermarket, including products I didn’t even know existed just a few years ago. During my childhood, I barely had an idea of how a papaya, a guava, or an avocado looked like. Back then, tropical fruits were completely unavailable, and bananas and oranges represented for us the height of exoticism, being only a special treat for special occasions.
Foraging is an act of freedom.
(NdR: "foraging" - going out in search of food)
Although today I have access to a wide variety of foods, there are still unique delicacies that require venturing into nature. To obtain them requires a particular effort, both physical and mental, not to mention the risks that one sometimes takes. I remember a time when, while picking elderflowers during a storm, I narrowly avoided a serious eye injury: the branch missed my pupil by a few millimeters. When I gather food and ingredients in nature, I remain immersed in the surrounding environment, in tune with the rustle of the wind, observing the insects, with my muscles tense as I maintain balance on rough terrain. It is a personal ritual for me, a moment to stay alert. I firmly believe that in today's era of safety and convenience, it is essential to seek the discomfort that originally came with foraging for food. It is important to realize that food is a gift from Mother Earth and does not appear on supermarket shelves by sheer magic.
A personal ritual, gathering food from nature
In the territory of the Czech Republic and throughout Europe, elderberry (Sambucus nigra) has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. It commonly grows along the edges of forests and fields, near human dwellings, and even in Prague. During my childhood, my grandmother used to pronounce the dialect word: "bezinky" which is the term for the white flowers used in my hometown region, the Highlands. The elderberry is characterized by a short trunk and gray-brown, corky, ridged bark. It has relatively few branches. The elderberry attracts attention in spring when it blooms and releases an intoxicating fragrance. Over the summer, the flowers turn into fruits, and in autumn the bush is laden with clusters of purple berries. From these, a medicinal liquor is made. According to folk tales from the German region of Swabia, elderberry can cure 77 diseases in both men and women; not only are the flowers and fruits medicinal, but also the roots and leaves. Furthermore, an excellent fungus called Judas's ear (Auricularia auricula-judae) grows on the old elderberry branches, named after Judas who betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. Legend has it that the "ears" that emerge from the elderwood represent its tormented soul. This fungus is black-brown and gelatinous and is used to flavor meat broths. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is known as mu-err and is used to stop bleeding. It was said that having an elderberry planted near your house would keep the devil away.
Contains powerful natural anti-inflammatories
For decades, laboratories around the world have studied the medicinal effects of elderberry. Scientists confirm its effectiveness in treating colds and viral infections. It also contains powerful anti-inflammatory agents used in the treatment of cough, sore throat, and other respiratory illnesses. The fruits, rich in vitamins and bioactive substances, are used for their antioxidant effects and help protect cells from damage by free radicals. With the growing interest in natural and sustainable healing methods, elderberry reminds us that alternative solutions to our health problems are right at hand.
The Elderflower blossoms, so similar to delicate lace.
When I take my basket in hand and feel the roughness of the herbs against my scratched hands, I transform into a shaman. The ritual of preparing food or drying herbs is before me, in stark contrast to the routine of unpacking groceries from a plastic bag. At this time of year, I gather elderflowers, a very aromatic herb. Its dried flowers produce a calming tea, perfect for relieving cold symptoms. The freshly picked flowers can be fried and served as a delicious main dish. The elderflower cordial is one of my favorite recipes. This year, spring has arrived early, almost a month ahead of schedule. Soon the elderflowers will bloom, and I can't wait to make a syrup with these fragrant flowers, resembling delicate white lace.
The taste of the sun and wind can be captured in a bottle. It's elderflower cordial!
Elderflower syrup
Ingredients:
15 fresh elderflower clusters
2 organic lemons
2.5 liters of water
1 kg of sugar
1 teaspoon of citric acid
How to prepare:
Gather the flowers in a clean environment, do not detach the pollen, but try to keep it on the flowers.
Remove all the flowers from the stems. Place them in a clean bowl.
Mix sugar and 2.5 liters of water in a large pot. Bring the water and sugar to a boil. Make sure all the sugar is dissolved. Add the lemon slices, citric acid, and all the elderflowers to the hot sugar syrup. Let it cook for another ten minutes and allow the flowers and lemon to sit in the water for a period ranging from 5 to 24 hours. Strain the liquid through a clean cloth.
Immediately pour the hot liquid into glasses or bottles rinsed with hot water, seal with a lid (you can rub the inside with brandy) and let cool.
To extend the shelf life, it can be sterilized for 20 minutes at a temperature of 80°C. It is best to store elderflower syrup in a dark and cool place: it will last until the next harvest.
Benefits of elderflowers for health:
- They soothe allergy symptoms, such as sinus swelling and rhinitis.
- They alleviate symptoms of cold, flu, and bronchitis, such as congestion, fever, inflammation, headaches, and gland swelling.
- They act as a diuretic, reducing swelling caused by fluid retention.
- They reduce flu symptoms.
- Traditionally, herbalists advise taking elderflowers daily during allergy season to reduce symptoms.
- Elderflowers can also be used topically, as they have anti-inflammatory properties and are thus great for soothing irritated skin.
