We have a September family tradition of going down to a certain spot on the Somerset Levels and picking blackberries. It could be argued that there is no need to travel further than our own garden. There are plenty of blackberries at easy reach. Good point, but this would mean that we missed out on a trip to a beautiful location. We see herons and other bird life. So we go. Every year. To the same spot. It is saved as a favourite on the Sat Nav.
The girls are both at the age that they are becoming successful gatherers. TF found it difficult as he cannot reach as far. Instead he made himself a job. He was in charge of supplying bags and he performed this role with true gusto.
While we were there, I noticed that the elderberries were in full berry. In fact, they were difficult to miss as the heavy branches hung down low over the blackberry bushes. Almost begging to be picked. In previous years, I have ignored them. I’m usually so busy with all the garden preserving that elderberries really are not on my radar. This year I decided to pick a few bagfuls. I was curious. Earlier in the year, when I was singing the wonders of making elderflower cordial, there were quite a few comments about leaving some for elderberries. Not really a problem as we are surrounded by elder.
On Monday, I cooked up the blackberries ready for jelly and, in a separate pot, I did the same for the elderberries. I left the blackberries to drain in the jelly bag and went on to make the elderberry syrup. OK, I am going to eat my words. It is absolutely worth making elderberry syrup. It is lovely. I have made eight bottles of it. I am a convert! (Although no one warned me about how stained my hands were going to be. Small price.)
The blackberry jelly is made as well. Alongside strawberry jam, this is my favourite preserve. I much prefer the jelly to the blackberry jam, even if it doesn’t fill as many jars.
Oh yum. Where is the bread!
Gosh you’ve been busy. The jewel like shine of those syrups and jellies looks really yummy!
I love seeing the sun through the syrups and jellies. Almost a shame they have to be stored in a dark place.
not sure i would recognize an elder tree/bush/fruit. did you take pics of them? i hear the medicinal properties are striking….i’d love to try. ps. i LOVE your mushroom, i am sitting here gaping at it. i see on maurs website the tute, but not for the house. darling. enjoy!
We have an elder in our garden, so I’ll try and remember to take a photo. It grows everywhere, given half a chance. Doesn’t have the splendour of an oak, but I’m intrigued with its medicinal properties, as well. The number of elders I’ve pulled out as weeds…..
dude. i love this clickcha. dont suppose it would work on boring old blogger. ive opened up a wordpress because i love it so, and have not made the switch. dont want to lose all my old stuff. limbo. . . .
The clickcha appears not to work for some people, or I should say systems. I’ve been told that iPhone has problems with it. Oh, and it does cut down on the spam as well. I like clickcha as it appeals to my geeky side.
I just love that you get the most from the land around you. I know God must be smiling on that (as is your family who gets to enjoy the fruits of your labors!) I would love to see an elderberry, too.
Thanks, Casey. The family almost never grumble. The quantity of courgette/zucchini is still contentious. I’ll post up a photo or two of the elderberry.
Hmmm, I can almost smell it, you’ve been very industrious.
Believe me, it smells devine!
That all sounds most delicious.
I had some of the blackberry jelly on homemade bread today and it tasted lovely!