In spring, when the elder is in bloom, I collect the flowers for various purposes, including for years for my elderflower vinegar.
For this you need about 3 - 4 dolens of beautiful, blooming elderflower and a bottle of wine vinegar. Another good vinegar can also be used as the base vinegar at any time, including: Balsamic vinegar.
Put the washed and carefully dabbed flowers in a bottle and pour the wine vinegar or other vinegar over them, then close immediately. The flowers must be completely enclosed in the vinegar.
Then let it stand for at least 4 weeks before using it so that the flowers release their active ingredients.
If you feel like it, you can also use several bottles. Nicely arranged in a pretty bottle, you always have a nice, personal gift.
I don`t drain the flowers, but if they bother you, you can drain them with a sieve and transfer the vinegar to another bottle.
I use it for all purposes, whether salads or other dishes. I also have the feeling that I`m doing something good for my health and I like it very much.