In the heart of June, when the sun rides high and the air is thick with the promise of summer, elderflower nectar emerges as a delicacy of the season. It’s at this time when Whispering Meadow Farm in Etlan, Virginia overflows with bundles of flat heads of tiny white elderflowers ranging anywhere from 8 to 12 inches in diameter. These large elderflowers bloom brightly and attract hundreds of compassionate buzzing bees to their fields.
At the Farm, elderflowers are harvested, then infused into a simple syrup, allowing a warm orange-like pigmentation to appear, and finally bottled for enjoyment. Nothing is greater than the surprise from one's first taste of elderflower nectar. It’s a dance of delicate sweetness with subtle floral notes, reminiscent of fresh pear and honeyed citrus, all wrapped in a whisper of vanilla – the most endearing taste of summer. And oh, its fragrance carries across meadows and gardens, enticing bees and humans alike to partake in its sudden beauty. As you sip or savor elderflower nectar, there's a gentle, almost temporary quality that transports you to sun-dappled afternoons and the lushness of nature in full bloom.
Speaking of bees, they play a vital role in the pollination of elderflowers. Honeybees, bumblebees, and various solitary bee species are drawn to the creamy blossoms, buzzing from flower to flower in a quest for nectar and pollen. Elderflowers provide a generous bounty, attracting these diligent pollinators with their fragrant allure and abundant nectar rewards. During the early mornings at Whispering Meadow Farm the only sound one can hear is the harmonious buzz of these tiny yellow pollinators.
For bees, elderflowers offer more than just nourishment; they signify a vital link in the intricate web of pollination that supports ecosystems and agriculture. As they visit the flowers, transferring pollen from one bloom to another, they ensure the continuation of elderflower plants and the diversity of surrounding flora.
In June, elderflower nectar is a testament to the season's bounty and the cordial relationship between plants and pollinators. Its taste is a celebration of nature's elegance, its aroma is evidence of the delicate balance of life in bloom. Whether enjoyed in a refreshing drink, infused into desserts, or simply savored in its natural state, elderflower nectar embodies the essence of a summer day captured in a fleeting floral symphony.