Elderflower Foraging Year R

Picking the elderflowers

The joys of foraging are practised by enthusiastic adults and the riches appreciated. How many children are allowed, encouraged or know how to forage?

With the right knowledge passed on, future generations will be able to enjoy seasonal delights from our hedgerows and orchards.

Year R have experienced how fun it can be to harvest elderflowers from our orchard this week connecting with where flavours come from. Many were surprised to learn how a flower could flavour food or drinks. While harvesting the children noted the pungent smell and visiting pollinators in the beautiful setting of our orchard.

Taking armfuls of the white flowers into the kitchen we decided to make our own elderflower cordial. After washing, slices of lemon were added into a large pan, bags of sugar were measured and boiling water added to dissolve. This was the most magical part of the experience for the children, a solid and liquid combining. The liquid was added to the flowers and lemon and left for the boring part to steep over the weekend. Next week this will be filtered and the exciting tasting will take part with the whole of the year group, votes on taste will take place deciding if elderflower flavouring is a hit or miss!

Elderflowers and lemons

Foragers - job done!