Elderberry Syrup - Make It Now!
I'm always caught out with this every year. I don't know if it's because elderberry time is at the end of the summer and I can't bear the thought of coughs and colds. Or it's because I'm caught up with the children going back to school. Or I just can't face autumn coming. But either way it always ends with a last minute dash around our orchard scrabbling for anything the birds have left behind.
Come October I'm starting to hear at home about sore throats and runny noses and I'm always really pleased I made it. I also freeze some syrup in glass bottles for the new year (and I had some with gin at Christmas, don't tell the kids).
Elderberries are believed boost the immune system and help with coughs, colds, bacterial and viral infections. There is a great article here by Dr Axe on the benefits of elderberries.
I suggest a tsp per day for adults - a little less for children - and it also makes a lovely warm drink when it gets cold.
If you have chance do get out there and gather some berries over the next week or so - I'm not sure they are going to be there much longer. My daughter and I made a quick video yesterday to show you how to make it.
Wishing you a gentle transition into autumn,
Debbie
P.S. Thank you so much to everyone who came to the Hereford Indie Food Festival. It was great to see you there and to have a full house - standing room only at the end!!!
