What to do with elderberries?

t2rny

I made some Elderberry cordial for the first time the other day. However, some of the clusters of berries I used had a few green unripe ones on but I didn't remove them. I have since read that these are poisonous. Will it be safe to drink? Thanks.

ceridwen

t2rny wrote: »

I made some Elderberry cordial for the first time the other day. However, some of the clusters of berries I used had a few green unripe ones on but I didn't remove them. I have since read that these are poisonous. Will it be safe to drink? Thanks.

Someone else will maybe know better than me on this...

...if it was just a few then my personal take is the worst you might get is ...how shall I phrase this?:think:....an attack of "the runs" if you get my drift....Mind you...if you have a problem in that direction..then....drink up..:rotfl:

betterlife

MrsB wrote: »

How about this one Aunty Margaret? Is that what you mean?

http://www.irishsecrets.ie/recipe-secrets/elderberry-syrup.php

i wonder if this could be diluted before bottling, id love to make a remedy for the kids cough`s and colds in the winter but they wouldnt drink a cupful only a spoonful, if anyone knows please share thankyou.

wogglemaker

henhog wrote: »

I looked in my Marguerite Pattern Jam book index under elderberries and she has;
Elderberry and apple jam
elderberry chutney
elderberry jam
elderberry and pear jam
elderberry and quince jam
and elderberry vinegar!

I could type up any recipes if you are interested or you could try to get the book in the library.
Good luck!

The lisr looks very promising and has me thinking 'bout doing a bit f chutney making again . The Basic basics Jams preserves and chutneys byMarguerite Patten is available at Amazon for £4.66 and free delkivery with super saver delivery.

Gigervamp

betterlife wrote: »

i wonder if this could be diluted before bottling, id love to make a remedy for the kids cough`s and colds in the winter but they wouldnt drink a cupful only a spoonful, if anyone knows please share thankyou.

If you dilute it, you'll have to freeze it in order to keep it preserved.

valk_scot

I noticed last weekend that the berries on the elderflower tree next to my allotment are ripe. I only started harvesting from this tree in the spring when I made some really rather successful elderflower freezer cordial so I'm keen to try something new with the berries. Yes I know I can make elderberry wine etc but as I can't drink any alcohol at present (on medication) I want to make something non-alcoholic!

Any suggestions? I've got all the usual jam/jelly/chutney making equipment.

Pink.

Hi val,

There are lots of non alcoholic suggestions on this thread that should help:

What to do with elderberries?

I'll add your thread to it later to keep the ideas together.

Pink

katiejay2

When do we add the citric acid?

katiejay2

Penelope_Penguin wrote: »

Hi, how about Elderberry Wine?

1.5kg elderberries
1.5kg sugar
4.5l water
1tsp citric acid
Wine yeast and nutrient

Strip berries from stalks using a fork. Place in fermenting bucket. Crush (I use a potato masher) and pour over boiling water. Cool and add yeast and nutrient (I get mine from the internet). Stir daily for 3 days, then strain onto sugar. Pour into dark demijohns. Once fermentation is complete, siphon into bottles.

I like to keep mine for at least a year before drinking, as it gives the tannins in the berries time to break down and soften.

Never tried anything else - they have a lot of tannin in them, so aren't good to eat in quantity.

Penny. x

Hi Penny, right have got all my berries and ingredients, just one question when to add the citric acid?

Sunnyday

Katie - when i`m making wine i add the citric acid with the yeast nutrient as soon as its reached room temperature and then add the yeast a few hours later or the next day.

HTH

SD