Looking for a recipe for a wild, refreshing, and fragrant tea that’s both natural and full of flavour? Then make this easy elderflower and wild rose tea recipe!
This wild tea combines the natural and aromatic properties of dried roses (rosa rugosa) and elderflowers (sambucus nigra) to create a soothing beverage that’s perfect for relaxation or as a delicious refreshment on a hot summer day.
Wild roses can be found all over Denmark – especially along the coasts.
Elderflowers come from the elder bush, whose scientific name is Sambucus nigra. The elder bush is a common wild plant that grows in Europe and other parts of the world. Elderflowers have a wonderful scent and add a floral and subtle sweetness to the tea.
This homemade wild rose and elderflower tea is completely natural and free from caffeine and artificial additives or preservatives. You can therefore enjoy the tea knowing that it contains only the best ingredients, straight from nature.
But it’s not just the flavour that makes this tea so wonderful. Elderflower is said to have a number of health benefits. It is said to help prevent constipation, bladder infections, nausea, and even high blood pressure.
I dry all my roses and flowers at the lowest temperature in my dehydrator, which allows them to retain their natural flavour and nutrients.
If you don’t have a dehydrator available, you can also dry your roses and elderflowers in the oven. To do this, place the rose petals and elderflowers in a single layer on a baking tray. Make sure they don’t overlap or are too close together, as this can prevent air circulation and the drying process. Set your oven to the lowest temperature, preferably around 50°C/122°F or lower. Place the baking tray in the oven. Leave the oven door a bit open to allow air circulation and prevent moisture build-up.
Elderflower and wild rose tea
Ingredients
- Elderflowers, fresh
- Wild rose petals, fresh
Instructions
- Pick fresh rose petals and elderflowers. Look for those that are ripe and in good condition.
- Distribute the wild roses and elderflowers on the dehydrator trays.
- Set the dehydrator to around 35°C/95°F as higher than that can reduce flavour and nutrients.
- Place the trays in the dehydrator. The drying process takes between 8-12 hours or longer.
- The rose petals and elderflowers should feel dry and crisp when touched.
- Once they are completely dry, remove the trays from the dehydrator and allow to cool completely.
- Store the dried rose petals and elderflowers in airtight containers or glass jars in a cool, dark and dry place to preserve their flavour and freshness.
- Now you can use your home-dried rose petals and elderflowers to make tea or other recipes as needed.
- Place a teaspoon of dried elderflowers and a few rose petals in a tea bag and pour boiling water over them. Let the tea steep for 5 minutes and flavour with sugar (if needed).
- You can choose to make a pure elderflower tea, a pure wild rose tea or, as in this recipe, make a mix.
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