By the time June arrives, summer is definitely in the air - or at least in the vegetable patch!
So, what treats can you expect to find on your plate this month?
Elderflower
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The elder tree was once believed to have mystical powers, and thought to ward off witches and other evil forces. |
Today it is better known for its fruit and the delicious wine that can be made from its fruit and leaves.
Recipes
Elderflower cordial
How better to relax on a warm summer day, than with a glass of homemade elderflower cordial.
Ingredients:
- 20 heads of elderflower in full bloom
- 1.6kg granulated sugar
- 1.6 litres water (boiled and cooled)
- 60g tartaric acid
- 2 whole lemons (sliced)
- 2 whole oranges (sliced)
Method:
- Put all ingredients into a pan, and stir periodically for 24 hours
- Strain and pout into sterilised bottles
- Dilute & enjoy!
From 'Farmhouse Cookery' by Laura Mason
Elderflower ice cream
Simple to make, and a great way to use some of your cordial!
Ingredients:
- 2 large egg whites
- 1 tablespoon caster sugar
- 300ml double cream
- 90ml elderflower cordial
- Sprigs of elderflower to decorate
Method:
- Whisk to egg whites until stiff and beat in the sugar
- Whip cream and beat in the cordial
- Fold egg whites into cream and put into plastic tub
- Freeze for 4-5 hours
- Soften in refridgerator for 30 min before serving
- Decorate and eat!
From 'Good Old-Fashioned Puddings' by Sara Paston-Williams
Where to find elderflower
Get in touch with your foraging side, and head out into the wild (well a country lane)! Elder trees are usually found on country lanes and in hedgerows. When picking your berries, it is better to pick them on a dry day and use immediately - or they will start to smell!
  
Also in season
So what are the other things that are growing in this green and pleasant land this month?
Fruit: gooseberries, tayberries, strawberries, redcurrants, cherries, apples.
Vegetables: courgettes, broad beans, lettuce, peppers, asparagus, aubergines, artichoke, beetroot, broccoli, cabbages, carrots, cauliflower, chard, cucumber, garlic, onions, peas, potatoes, radish, spinach, turnips.
Herbs: rocket, samphire, sorrel, watercress.
In the garden
When you've finished harvesting this bumper crop, there's no time to sit back and relax - there's still loads to be getting on with:
- Build supports for your runner beans from your garden canes.
- Plant your sweetcorn and swede outside.
- Check for blackfly and other pests.
- Weed weed weed!
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