Pickled Elder Flower Buds
Elder flowers open in succession, so even now while there are flowers in full bloom there are further flowers still to open. The flower heads when harvested at the green bud stage are delicious pickled, a bit like a substitute for capers.
Collecting the flower heads
Snap off unopened flower heads. Collect about 30 heads for a 1 litre jar. You can leave the stalks, they can be eaten too.
Boil up a litre of cider vinegar, or you can use a malt vinegar instead.
Wash the harvested flower heads and place them in a clip top storage jar.
When the vinegar has boiled, pour it over the flower heads.
Seal the jar and the allow the vinegar to cool.
The flower heads can be eaten as soon as the vinegar has cooled.
Ciaran The Gardener 
who would buy olives and capers when you have elder flower buds!
I feel the same way!
fantastic, first attempt has been fun .!!!!
Delicious mmmm
glad that you enjoyed them!!! Try them with cheese on toast or even on pizza!
just foung your blog, great! Fingers crossed for elder buds, for the first time ever I’m worrying they’ve flowered!
Could you please clarify if the buds should be picked before flowering or after flowering and before they turn into berries?
Thank you in advance,
Dan
Buds are pickled before opening…