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
Gloagburn Farm Shop
Perth
PH1 1QL
Rosemount Market
Rosemount Place
Aberdeen
AB25 2XS
Black Faced Sheep
1 Old Ballater Road
Aboyne
AB34 5HN
Ellon Spirits
Castle Street
Ellon
AB41 9RF
Stockists
Markets 2025
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Portsoy Winter Festival
The Winter Festival takes place on Saturday 1st November, at The Grainstore and Gendarmerie, from 10-4pm.
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Premany School Christmas Fair
The Christmas Fair is held at Premany School, on 15th November 10-12noon.
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Tullynessle Christmas Market
The Christmas Market is at Tullynessle Hall, on Friday 21st November, from 6-8pm
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AWA Christmas Fayre
The Christmas Fayre is held at Pitfodels, Aberdeen on Sunday 23rd November, from 11-4pm
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Lumsden Christmas Fair
The Christmas Fair is held at Lumsden School, on Friday 28th November from 4-7pm
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Tarland Christmas Fair
Tarland Christmas Fair is held at the Primary School, on Friday 28th November, from 7-9pm
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Ballater Winter Festival
Ballater Winter Festival is on Saturday 29th November, from 10-4pm
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Rosemount Market
The Rosemount Christmas Market will be held at the Rosemount Community Centre, on Saturday 29th November, from 2-5pm
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Best Of Grampian
The Best of Grampian Christmas Market will be held at Grampian Transport Museum, Alford, on Sunday 7th December, from 11-3pm
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Milton of Crathes
Milton of Crathes Christmas Fair is on 13th & 14th December, from 10-4pm
Contact Glenkindie Pantry
glenkindiepantry@gmail.com