Homemade Natural remedies with local Wild Elderberries.
To take home
Benefits to our winter health introduction to elderberries.
Now We’re in September, autumn draws nearer has a chill in the early morning air and the nights are drawing in.
Back In May, We prepared a refreshing elderflower tonic in Tessa’s Tiny Tots, from the Tree outside in the back garden.
An Elderberry cluster looks like bronchioles in our lungs; a system of branches. Following the ‘Doctrine of signatures’, Therefore these tiny, dark burgundy berries, support our respiratory tract against common disorders like colds and flu.
Elderberry is a rich source of vitamin C. For treatment of coughs & colds, have them to hand, ready for the winter months ahead.
Preparation: a cluster snaps off easily and cleanly from the tree (or bush)
Prize off the tiny berries using a fork.
Uses: as a garnish, on top of desserts.
As a tea!
A sugar free Syrup – replace white sugar and use an alternative sweetener.
Join us at Forster Memorial Park foraging on Saturday 14th September at the funday from 11-12noon by the cafe and playground Whitefoot lane entrance.
Apple and blackberry sauce (no added sugar). For adding into yogurt, cereal or as a low sugar spread.
My neighbour kindly shares her apples which I collected and went on a blackberry harvest from the back. Fortunately together they’re sweet enough and not too sharp to turn them into a compote (spread/jam) with added spices.
Prepare the apples and remove any bruised parts or caterpillar eggs infestation. These look like small brown dots amongst the core. Take care when consuming wild apples, In case a caterpillar has hatched inside!
Ensure that the Blackberries are clean and insect free by soaking well in water and leave immersed for 15 mins. Rinse and remove any floating larvae, or insects which crawl to the surface!
Place both fruit together into a saucepan with a cup of water to cover the bottom and cook gently until the apples soften, approx 10 mins. Stir in the spices; generous pinches of cinnamon, nutmeg, freshly grated or ground ginger and a mini pinch of cloves.
When cool, add white chia seeds (preferably ground) and melted coconut oil to enable the setting process (although the latter may solidify into white particles).
The result is a delicious seasonal fruit spread (no added sugar).
0
