Our Top Tips for Foraging Elderflower

At Oichi, foraging is at the heart of what we do. Some of our favourite moments are spent wandering local hedgerows and country lanes, reconnecting with nature and gathering seasonal ingredients that inspire our kombucha brews

Elderflower season is one of the highlights of our year. There's something magical about  finding bushes laden with flowers ready to be picked. For us, foraging is about more than just collecting ingredients – it's about slowing down, noticing the changing seasons, and appreciating the abundance that grows all around us.

If you're heading out to gather elderflowers this season, here are a few of our top tips to help you forage safely, sustainably, and respectfully.

🌿 Pick elderflowers from bushes growing away from main roads to help avoid pollution settling on the blooms.

🌿 Wear long sleeves and long trousers, as elderflower bushes are often surrounded by nettles and brambles.

🌿 Take care when picking. Avoid snapping or breaking branches – gently remove the flower heads by hand or use a pair of strong scissors.

🌿 Don't take all the flowers from a tree. Leave plenty behind for wildlife and to allow the plant to produce berries later in the season.

🌿 Choose flowers that are in full bloom, as these have the strongest aroma and flavour. Look for flower heads where all the tiny flowers are open and the blooms have a slight creamy-yellow tint. Give the flowers a gentle shake to encourage any insects to move on before harvesting.

🌿 Most importantly, have fun exploring and enjoy all the sights, sounds, and scents that come with being immersed in your local hedgerows.