Our recent house move has placed us in the middle of nowhere amongst so much beautiful nature and so many amazing foraging opportunities. 

What are Elderberries? Bunches of small berries, white start green tuning into dark purple almost black in colour, available in late summer months.  Once they turn black they can be foraged and cooked.  The health Benefits of Elderberry include Vitamin C, Antioxidants and fibre, some people make a winter cough syrup due to these benefits. 

Important safety information:   It is important to not forage on private land as this is theft , sustainably harvest, leaving plenty for others and to avoid picking near busy roads, polluted water, and pick high where dogs have not likely contaminated.

Elderberry is mildly toxic when raw and must be cooked to enjoy, the stalk and leaves must be discarded. It is also not recommended for people with Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus as it stimulates immune cells.  Avoid when pregnant or breastfeeding. Consult your doctor if you are on prescribed diuretics or diabetes medication as Elderberry can interact with them.

So Berries picked and removed from the stem, which is quite easy with fingers or a fork running down stalks.  Then rinsed to remove any extra guests and we were ready to make our delights, we decided as we had so many we would divide in half and make Jam and chutney.  The Jam will make tomorrow as the berries are best soaked in sugar over night.