Elder

Elder is a plant native to Syria, which has since spread throughout Europe, within Southeast Asia and northwest Africa. A bush with a large number of branches and regularly serrated leaves, it can be found in sparsely wooded areas and hedges and is often planted alongside village houses. When elder blossoms, from June to July, the essential oils present in its flowers produce a delightful scent. In cooking, all parts are used—bark, leaves, flowers and fruits. The flowers are eaten fried and add a nutmeg-like flavor when fermented with wine.