The story so far
I would like to tell you how I started my new business making pink elderflower cordial under the name Glenkindie Pantry!
How did this all start - Just before lockdown in March 2020, our family of four boys moved up from Edinburgh to Strathdon in Aberdeenshire, where we found a small tree in our garden - which we later identified as a pink elderflower tree! I was unaware that a pink elderflower tree existed, and as I have previously made a lot of white elderflower cordial whilst living in Edinburgh for the family, I was keen to make a pink alternative.
The family loved what I had made and were pleased to drink it in the summer as it is very refreshing.
Having done some research on the pink elderflower plant, the real name for this is a Sambucus Nigra. There are two types of Elderflower tree with copper coloured leaves - the black lace with long thin leaves, and the black beauty with rounder leaves; they both have white blossom edged in pink, with a fragrant, floral aroma, attracting bees.
The pink elderflower is a cultured plant, grown almost exclusively in private gardens, and does not grow wild like its cousin, the white elderflower.
I source Pink Elderflower trees locally and have continually planted more trees to fulfil the high demand, and I now have a Pink Orchard with over 100 trees! They grow fast, and even though they will produce blossom this year, I will wait until next year before harvesting the blossom. There is a short time span of 6 weeks from mid June to end of July in which to pick the blossom, which luckily can be frozen to use later in the year!
Pink Elderflower Cordial is enjoyed by all ages, being diluted with either still or sparkling water to make a refreshing, colourful drink, as families are looking for a sopisticated alternative to drinking alcohol!
Pink Elderflower Cordial can make an exciting twist with spirits for adults to drink, or a mixer in cocktails, especially with gin, vodka or prosecco!
Pink Elderflower is healthy being full of anti oxidants, having antibacterial and antiviral properties, and may also help alleviate some allergies and boost the functioning of the immune system. Topically, elderflower might help reduce pain and swelling in joints due to some forms of arthritis and is used to stop bleeding.
I presently sell cordial at Farmer’s Markets, Farm Shops, Deli's and hotels. I have received very positive feedback from my customers, the smiles they greet me with is so rewarding!
Pink Elderflower Cordial can also be added to fruit salad or a fruit crumble, put on ice cream, made into an elderflower cake…….the ideas are endless, adding a delicious taste to your dishes!
Portsoy Marble Shop
Portsoy
AB45 2PB
Marshall’s Farm Shop
Kintore
AB51 0XD
Finzean Farm Shop
Banchory
AB31 6PA
Kellockbank Farm Shop
Insch
AB52 6SN
Silly Flatt
Inverbervie
DD10 0PF
Glenkindie Post Office
Alford
AB33 8RE
Farm and Fancy
Alford
AB33 8QA
Mart Farm Shop & Cafe
East Linton
EH40 3DN
Balgove Larder
Strathtyrum Farm
St Andrews
KY16 9SF
Stockists
Markets 2025
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Tomintoul Fayre
Tomintoul Fayre on Saturday 19th July, from 10-4pm
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Turriff Show
Turriff Show on Sunday 3rd and Monday 4th August, from 10am - 5pm.
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Keith Show
Keith Show on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th August, from 10am-5pm
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rosemount Mile End Fair
Rosemount Mile End Fair in Aberdeen on Sunday 10th August, from 10am-4pm
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Lonach Gathering
Lonach Gathering on Saturday 23rd August in Strathdon, from 10am-5pm
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Huntly Hairst
Huntly Hairst on Saturday 6th September from 10am-4pm.
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Seafest Peterhead
Seafest in Peterhead on Saturday 13th September from 10am-4pm.
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Tarland Food Festival
Market at McRobert’s Hall on Saturday 20th September from 10am-12 noon.
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Apple Sunday
Apple Sunday at Pitmedden on Sunday 28th September from 10am-4pm
Contact Glenkindie Pantry
glenkindiepantry@gmail.com