09 July 2010
Posted in Food Stories

During the month of June around my neigbourhood, I can often see the halo appearance of the Elderflower (Holunder) rising above the bushes.

When cut, these tiny cluster of petals have a tendency of wilting before you can say "Elderflower fritters," so it is best to promptly pop them into water before they lose their lush, white appearance.  Being fond of photographing the fineness of flowers and plants; I  grab my camera to capture the delicacy of this edible flower before sending them to the frying pan.

In many areas of Bavaria, there is a custom where the locals pick, cook and lunch on Hollunderküchlein (Elderflower fritters) on a midsummer day. This traditionally falls on June 24.  As the saying goes:  Those who eat Hollunderküchlein under the Eldertree at noon will remain healthy the whole year through. That said, I decided to cook these fragrant flowers and eat my fritters in the comfort of my home- simply to save myself from the embarrassment of maybe having to explain to my neighbours, why I would be nestled under a bush.  After all, I do live in the state of Baden-Württemberg, so I guess I can excuse myself of such a tradition.  Here is another use for the elderflowers in a vinegar form.