To enjoy this harvest, you better act quick -- you'll be racing the birds for these seasonal delights! These deep-purple berries grow on bushes that produce beautiful white flowers in the spring before forming berry clusters in late summer.
Elderberries have long been known for their medicinal properties. They are a great antioxidant and promote enhanced immune function, cardiovascular health and endurance. When harvesting, use only ripe berries, avoiding under ripe or green berries, as well as the stems. A great tip from Jean Konkle of Chesterhill Produce Auction: freeze the berry clusters for a few hours and then tap them on a flat surface- the berries will pop right off!! Thanks Jean!
Elderberries make a great wine, delicious jam and are great dried in oatmeal, but my favorite use for these super fruits is medicinal. Nothing helps sooth a sore throat during cold and flu season like elderberry syrup. Below is a recipe from renowned herbalist Rosemary Gladstar and is alcohol free -- a great alternative to over-the-counter cough medicines. Keep in mind, while this recipe is intended for medicinal use, there's nothing stopping you from pouring it over some homemade ice cream or a plate of pancakes!
Elderberry Syrup
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh or 1/2 cup dried elderberries
- 3 cups water
- 1 cup honey
- Heat the berries and water to a boil, then reduce to simmer for 30-45 minutes.
- Mash the berries, strain, and add 1 cup of honey. I add a half cup of the purple liquid to a measuring cup, then pour in honey until the total volume is 1 1/2 cups. Then stir to mix well, and add to the rest of the reserved liquid.
- Bottle and store, refrigerated. for 2-3 months.
- Enjoy a tablespoon daily to keep the immune system strong, use more often when afflicted with the flu.
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