Elderberry Elixir

Collect your fresh berries on a quintessentially autumnal day. Wash and destalk the berries by using a fork as a mini ‘rake’. It's a rather satisfying job as the berries ‘pop’ off their stalks.

Put the loose 1 kg of elderberries in a pan with a cupful of water and simmer until they have released most of their juices.

Crush and strain the berries through a sieve.

Put the juice back in a saucepan with the cloves cinnamon, grated ginger root and sugar.

Simmer for another 30 mins on low heat.

Strain and then store in tightly sealed sterilised bottles.

Store in the fridge for up to two weeks.