The creamy white flowers of elder burst into blossom for just a few weeks in summer, bearing a heady and heavenly fragrance. Historically, elder (Sambucus nigra) was viewed as a sacred tree and it is thought that the name, elder, comes from the Anglo-Saxon word æld, meaning fire, because the hollow stems were once used as bellows to feed air into the fire. The tree has many uses. The green berries can be pickled like capers, or left until autumn (fall) to ripen to the deep purple clusters that lend a tart kick to any dish, while the flowers can be made into fritters or the floral cordial below. Dilute as required for a refreshing drink or incorporate into a dessert, such as a pavlova.