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Mold on Elderflower Syrup

Mold started to form on the surface of my homemade elderflower syrup after four days. Is it enough to boil the syrup again, or should I throw it all away?

If it is actually mold, we unfortunately have to recommend that you throw the syrup away.

It is not possible to tell what type of mold is growing on the syrup by appearance alone. It is possible that the mold has formed toxins that are not destroyed by the heat of cooking. Such heat-stable toxins can have a liver-damaging effect, for example.

In a liquid food such as syrup, there is also a risk that any toxins have already spread further. It is therefore not sufficient if you remove the mold from the surface with a spoon.

Sometimes, however, streaks form, which cloud the syrup somewhat. The reason for this is co-processed pollen. They form deposits, the so-called sediment. Other natural ingredients such as pectin from added lemons or oranges also promote the formation of sediment. The sediments are harmless and can be drunk.

Industrially produced elderflower syrup usually remains clear. It is clarified with particularly fine filters and sometimes with aids such as gelatine or pectin. These substances are then no longer contained in the product.

If you make syrup yourself, you should make sure that the bottles are sufficiently sterilized, the liquid is filled hot and the lid is tightly closed. The resulting vacuum prevents the formation of mold.

Mold on Elderflower Syrup – FAQs

What is the difference between elderflower cordial and syrup?

To answer this question, we tapped into an expert from Norm’s Farms, co-founder Ann Lenhardt. She said that “The term elderflower cordial and elderflower syrup are interchangeable and are typically used to describe the same thing: a sweetened elderflower extract.”

How do you stop elderflower cordial going mouldy?

A few notes on preservatives: This recipe contains enough sugar for the cordial to last, refrigerated, for several months without additions. But if you don’t want it to go mouldy if you’re keeping it for longer, you might want to either heat-treat it or add a bit of Campden tablet.

Why does elderflower cordial go cloudy?

After the four days strain through muslin or similar, and it is ready to use, if rather cloudy. If you are really fussy, you can filter through a jelly bag, but it does nothing to improve the taste. Personally, I squeeze it through the muslin to get as much as possible out, and therefore make it more cloudy.

How do you sterilize elderflower cordial bottles?

Seal the bottles loosely and sterilise them in a water bath 88ºC (190ºF) for 20 minutes. Carefully remove the bottles from the pan and place them on a wooden board. Seal the bottles and leave to cool.

Why has my elderflower cordial gone brown?

The flowers might turn brown once they get in touch with the warm water, but this won’t affect the flavor of the cordial. Leave to cool to room temperature, then cover tightly with plastic wrap. Leave to steep for 24 hours.

Can elderflower syrup go bad?

Store in a dark and cool place, so the syrup will keep for about 1 year. After opening, the syrup must be stored in the refrigerator and will keep there for about 2 weeks.

Why is my elderflower syrup flaky?

Sometimes small white flakes swim in my H-syrup. It’s from the pollen. To be on the safe side, you can open a bottle, smell it, try it carefully and if it tastes normal, everything is ok.

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Written by John Myers

Professional Chef with 25 years of industry experience at the highest levels. Restaurant owner. Beverage Director with experience creating world-class nationally recognized cocktail programs. Food writer with a distinctive Chef-driven voice and point of view.

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