How to use berries

WelshKitty85

Hi all, I am new to this board and was hoping you could offer some suggestions on how to use berries. We have recently moved house and found a community orchard near our new house, where we can help ourselves to all the fruit we want. I have collected blackberries and elder berry (I think!) and there is also what I think is rose hip, apples, plums and pears. I was thinking of collecting lots of berries to freeze so I have a supply of them throughout the winter. But what can I do with them other than pies and crumbles? Thanks in advance.

Nargleblast

Jams and chutneys. Apple puree. Rose hip syrup. Elderberry syrup. Wines.

Al1x

A handful of berrys in porridge is lovely!

(I have redcurrents and blackberrys in the freezer, just put a handful in my porridge before cooking it, it makes a nice change from plain porridge)

WelshKitty85

Thank you. I do like porridge, but find it a bit bland so the berries would be really good for that. I have never made jam but might give it a go. Just had a thought that if it turns out ok I could make up some pots of jam for Xmas presents.

kippers

I bunged a couple of cups of berries in some muffins the other day and they were lovely

ampersand

You are in perfect time to make liqueurs, special vinegars etc. for crimbo.
A good ref. is often found in CS - in fact, I recommend any of the old 99p Sainsbury recipe books, approx.5" x 9" - my Jams and Preserves one is a pillar.

A tip - WEIGH YOUR PRESERVING PAN OR SAUCEPAN and note that down. You will find following instructions re: later addition of sugar straightforward then.

The mse Recipe Index will help you, as will simple googling.

Don't be frightened of making jellies either - just have a good boilable cloth for straining everything through overnight. Blackberry jelly - YUMYUMYUM! Then the apples will make jellies too, for toast, but also savoury, with mint/rosemary etc. to go with meat - gorgeous:-)

You will also find that frozen berries are a very forgiving crop. It's so easy and pleasing to run up a jar or two, all lovely and fresh, BUT out of season.

How lovely to have all this in your new surroundings! Lucky girl:-)

Mojisola

WelshKitty85 wrote: »

We have recently moved house and found a community orchard near our new house, where we can help ourselves to all the fruit we want.

I was thinking of collecting lots of berries to freeze so I have a supply of them throughout the winter.

Do be careful that you don't take too much - a community orchard is for the community, not just one or two people.

sparrer

Fruit teas, smoothies and juice work well with fresh or frozen berries.

meritaten

don't just freeze berries, cherrys apples etc - dry them too. use as you would any dried fruit. very slow oven - the lowest mark - about an hour or two depending on size and water content. then you can put them in an airtight container. lasts for months.

WelshKitty85

Thanks for all the suggestions and advice. I hadn't even thought of muffins! I will definitely be making some jams and liqueurs for Xmas. I have just looked up a few recipes which look fairly easy.

WelshKitty85

Mojisola wrote: »

Do be careful that you don't take too much - a community orchard is for the community, not just one or two people.

Thanks. I am fully aware that a community orchard is meant for the community. Unfortunately, it seems that many of the community either don't know it exists or just choose not to use it. I have never seen another person there and the ground is just littered with over-ripe fruit that has fallen from the trees/bushes.