Höllinger Organic Syrup

On the calendar, autumn always begins on the 22nd or 23rd of September with the equinox. On this date, daytime and nighttime are of equal duration. In the ”phenological calendar“, the beginning of autumn is usually a bit earlier. As its name suggests, this calendar makes the beginning of the seasons dependent on the occurrence of natural phenomena. In addition to the behavior of animals (winter sleep, for example), the focus is primarily on the development stage of so-called indicator plants. Indicator plants are plant species that allow conclusions about processes in nature. Botanists can distinguish between very good, good, bad or badly neglected soil from the occurrence of certain plants alone. Stinging nettles, for example, grow on forest soils rich in humus, white clover suggests nutrient-poor soil and daisies suggest acidic soil. Indicator plants enable nature lovers to recognize an approaching season by the flowering of certain plants. Black elderberry is particularly suitable as an indicator plant, as it is one of the most common shrub species in Central Europe. Maturing elderberries have been regarded as a sure sign of the beginning of autumn for millennia, irrespective of today's Gregorian calendar.

The black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is also known as ”Holder“ in Switzerland. In Bavaria and Austria it is often called ”Holler“ and in northern Germany it is known as ”Schwarzer Flieder“ (black lilac). The German name of elderberry probably derived from the Germanic goddess Frigg. The goddess of protection of the house and hearth was also colloquially referred to as ”Holle“ (the benevolent one). And elderberry was considered the plant that was especially dedicated to her. Unlike other Germanic gods, Frigg was not really forgotten in the Middle Ages. As ”Frau Holle“ (Old Mother Frost) she remained part of popular beliefs in many places until the 18th century. This also affected the elderberry bush. Hardly any farmer dared to fell elderberry bushes, because that could have drawn the wrath of Old Mother Frost. Already in ancient times, elderberry was associated with magical creatures. The Celts believed that fairies lived in its branches. And Greeks and Romans believed that good spirits lived in it. For this reason they planted elderberry bushes and tried to predict the coming harvest from the flowers. In the late Middle Ages, however, the idea that witches could turn into elderberry bushes arose. No spoons, brooms or other utensils were to be carved out of their wood.

Already in the ancient world the elderberry bush was more than just a place where mystical creatures lived. Elderberry has been an important medicinal plant for millennia. Even the Greek physician Hippocrates appreciated the sweaty power of its flowers. And the famous Bavarian folk physician Max Höfler once called the plant the ”living medicine cabinet of every farmer“. In fact, there are only few other medicinal plants in folk medicine that are as versatile as elderberry. Even in the kitchen the elderberry turned out to be a true all-rounder long ago. Black elderberries can be picked in autumn, but they should not be eaten raw. They only become eatable when heated. Usually they are processed into juice, from which punch, jelly or syrup is made. The white umbels which are harvested in spring, are considered a delicacy in many places. They are ideal for jelly, lemonade, ice cream and, of course, the famous syrup.

The versatile elderflower syrup should not be missing from any kitchen. Sweet dishes and drinks as well as savory dishes can be refined with it. If you want to get to know the tasty viscous juice, you should try the Organic Elderflower Syrup from Höllinger. It is perfect for cocktails and other sparkling summer drinks, such as the popular Hugo cocktail. Panna cotta, fresh cream pies and many other desserts also benefit from its wonderful sweetness. The fruity sweet Organic Raspberry Syrup goes well with cocktails, puddings or homemade ice cream.

Fancy something special? Höllinger organic lavender blossom syrup has a refreshing, floral taste with a pleasant hint of lemon. Mixed with sparkling wine or champagne, it creates an exceptionally tangy treat. With organic mojito lime & mint syrup, you can bring that holiday feeling right into your home and easily mix yourself a mojito long drink. The organic Limoncello syrup brings la dolce vita to your glass: a non-alcoholic limoncello inspired by the traditional liqueur, but with no alcohol content. Just the thing for a summer mocktail or a refreshing lemonade. The organic raspberry syrup has a fruity and intense flavour. You can use it not only for drinks, but also for homemade ice cream or pudding, for example. With the delicious organic syrup recipes from the Austrian company Höllinger, you can bring the full flavour of nature directly into your glass.