What to do with elderberries?

rls1973

hello

i've seen loads of elderberries around here, just left on the trees doing nothing. apart from wine, (which i dont know how to do and havent got the equipment for), are they edible in any other recipes, e.g. pies, crumbles, savoury dishes, whatever?

would love to hear any ideas thanks!

thriftlady_2

I don't have any specific recipes to hand but you can make jellies with them if you add apple to get a good set. you can also add them to blackberries and apples in crumbles and pies and you can make a cordial.

The important thing is to cook them, as they will give you a stomach upset if you eat them raw.

rls1973

what do they taste like, something similar to blackberry?

gingin_2

My mum makes cordial, she boils it in a pan with sugar and water and then when finished she tops it up with fizzy water for a refreshing drink. My son calls it "flowerade"!

gingin_2

Doh! after all that it was berries you were talking about and not flowers, must read carefully next time.... sorry!

thriftlady_2

rls1973 wrote:

what do they taste like, something similar to blackberry?

Not as nice tbh, but they combine well with other fruit.

flourgirl

look at this site for ideas and recipies https://www.Patch-work.demon.co.uk/elder

sorry i don't know how to do a link, must find out

rls1973

gingin wrote:

Doh! after all that it was berries you were talking about and not flowers, must read carefully next time.... sorry!

well, flowers, berries, whatever!i'm not fussy! thanks for the idea anyway, sounds nice, will try it :T

janeawej

my neighbour says that during the war his mum used to dry them and use instead of raisins in cooking, eg buns

demented_2

rls1973 wrote:

hello

i've seen loads of elderberries around here, just left on the trees doing nothing. apart from wine, (which i dont know how to do and havent got the equipment for), are they edible in any other recipes, e.g. pies, crumbles, savoury dishes, whatever?

would love to hear any ideas thanks!

Hi I have made some lovely jam last year and it tastes lovely. Going to make some more this year.