HOME PAGE

Self-Sufficiency in Style

free harvest

elderberry

      Elder Tree in August

It is often found alongside old habitations: deserted farms and ancient cottages.

It was said to ward off witches, but the real reason is more prosaic.

The high nitrogen content generated, in the days before refuse collection and sewage, produced conditions that suited the tree.

The berries ripen at the end of August in most of Southern England.

The Romans used them to make a hair dye.

Elderberries

They can be used to make a fine jam, uncommon today in England, but still popular in mainland Europe.

They will make a fine country wine.

One favourite way of preparation is to make a syrup to store and use later.

Cut the sprigs from the tree. 

Pick the ripe berries from the sprigs using an ordinary dinner fork. 

Place in a saucepan. 

Add some sugar and bring to the boil. 

Mix a spoonful of cornflower in a little cold water, stir into the elderberries. Simmer for 15 minutes to reduce.

Allow to cool a little and pour into small containers suitable for freezing.

Go to a recipe for Elderberry Tart

- very much a favourite for posh dinner parties. A humble fruit yielding an unusual luxury dessert.

"keeping the witches away"

from

 the appropriately  named Hangman's Cottage, just to the south of Misery Corner.