Elderberries grow abundantly in ditches, stream beds, and along bike paths in Wisconsin. Forager and chef Lee Davenport has been harvesting elderflowers around Madison for more than a decade.
Elderberries have a fragrant flower that can be used to enhance the flavor of jams, pickles, chutneys and vinegars. The flowers also make delicious jam, wine, syrup, and sorbet. It flowers in late spring and produces a dark berry later in the summer.
Davenport says the best time to pick flowers is in the morning on a warm, dry day. One of her favorite things to make is elderflower cordial, a sweet-smelling syrup that goes well with sparkling water or champagne.
