As a wild fruit the Elderberry, of the genus (Sambucus nigra) Elder has over many thousands of years been used both nutritionally and medicinally. My interest in this berry are both nutritional and its ability to be part of my diverse wild food larder.
- Ripen and picked from the tree, washed and ready to use
My version of Elderberry cordial is directly and methodically laborious and exacting, i have left nothing to chance and everything has been measured.
We are at the peak of the elderberry harvest now here in the west country having suffered more rain than a larger proportion of southern England. Many trees and their foliage are losing pigment and heavy bracts of fruit hang on their branches. It is noticeable to see when the fruit is at its best as the bracts are full and the branches begin to darken from green to purple.
Elderberry cordial
Part one
2 kilos elderberries picked and washed
2 litres water
Method for part one:
1.In a heavy bottomed saucepan add both the berries and water. fit on a lid and bring to a slow simmer. Cook out for one hour. turn off heat and leave to cool overnight.
2. Pour berries and water through a pair of tights, pillow case, muslin or if you have one a jelly bag and leave to drain again all day or overnight.
Part two
300g unrefined brown sugar per 500ml liquid you can use granulated if economy is important
4 star anise
20 cloves
1 cinnamon stick
1 cm square piece of fresh root ginger i weighed at between 5-10g
Method
1.Add all ingredients to the liquid and bring up to a simmer.
2.Remove from the heat and leave to infuse and cool. At this point add a sachet of citric acid add a Camden tablet, stir to dissolve.
3. Pour into sterilised bottles and store in a cool and dark place. Shelf life on these should be about three months.
Directions for use.
Elderberry cordial is fabulous as both a cold and hot drink. during the colder months it can be warmed through with the addition of winter fruits and orange as a non alcoholic mulled drink or simply diluted.
Alternatively utilise the cordial as an addition to pies and pudding, sauces and gravies.
Dried Elderberries
Dried elderberries are nutritionall fantastic as very high in Vitamins A,B & C.