What you do
Method
- 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 1Kg 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 30mins on low heat
- Strain and then store in tightly sealed sterilised bottles.
- Store in the fridge for up to two weeks
Using the syrup
Add two tablespoons of elderberry elixir in a cup of hot water throughout the winter months.
Pukka tips
- If you don't want to add sugar then skip that step and add the juice to some ice trays and store in the freezer. When you want a cup just pop the elderberry-cube out, add hot water and a little honey to sweeten.
- If you need some ready prepared elixir, Pukka have a delicious organic Elderberry Syrup made with Manuka honey, thyme and ginger that’s good for all the family.