The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Food & crafts => Home brewing => Topic started by: Chrisw on June 29, 2011, 10:47:03 pm

Title: Elderflower Champagne
Post by: Chrisw on June 29, 2011, 10:47:03 pm

I am thinking of making champagne and was wondering what time of day it is best to pick them and if you have any recipes, i would be very grateful

Title: Re: Elderflower Champagne
Post by: Greenerlife on July 06, 2011, 02:42:18 pm

I've always used Hugh's recipe here

http://www.channel4.com/4food/recipes/chefs/hugh-fearnley-whittingstall/elderflower-champagne-recipe (http://www.channel4.com/4food/recipes/chefs/hugh-fearnley-whittingstall/elderflower-champagne-recipe)

but I don't add the yeast.  It is very lively on its own, and much improved after keeping for a lot longer than they say!  (I am still drinking last years)  It's a bit late for elderflowers isn't it?  Well they are long gone here anyways.

Title: Re: Elderflower Champagne
Post by: Chrisw on July 09, 2011, 11:34:11 am

I am up north in scotland and some are still flowering

Title: Re: Elderflower Champagne
Post by: Dan on July 10, 2011, 07:28:28 am

Quote from: Chrisw on June 29, 2011, 10:47:03 pm

I am thinking of making champagne and was wondering what time of day it is best to pick them and if you have any recipes, i would be very grateful

I read somewhere a long time ago that it's best to pick them when they are in full flower, in full sun, in the middle of the day. Something about there being more pollen and therefore flavour?

Not sure how true this is, but we've always observed it and had fab cordial from the flowers!  :D