[Elaine G]

I have some elderberries growing near my plot. Not a huge amount. Is it worth trying to make elderberry jelly?
I seem to recall someone telling me it was a bit tart and not worth making.
Does anyone agree with that?

Thanks

Elaine

[hamstergbert]

I make elderberry jilly 'most every year and I certainly find it well worth the trouble!  I do actually like it tart and sour so I do tend to pile in the crabs over and above what is needed for the pectin and often as not chuck in a green stick of  late season rhubarb for my hit of extra sourness.

I also use elderberries in some of the hamstergbert 'ensemble' brews - elderberry and rowan, elderberry mint and chilli, and best of all my hedgerow jilly which in addition to elderberries and crabs also features rowan berries, rose hips, blackberries and fuchsia berries.   As yummy as an especially yummy thing when spread on toast, and out of this world when used for the jam element of a steaming jam sponge pud.

[arugula]

Not your classic sweet berry or fruit jam/jelly flavour but definitely worth trying at least once. It doesn't sound as though you have enough, but if you ever did they really do make a good wine.

[sarajane]

If you haven't got many they are nice stuffed into baked apples (with lots of sugar)

[Elaine G]

Well  I went back to pick some elderberries on friday and they were all gone 
I guess the pigeons are a bit miffed that I have covered up all the brassicas and have taken their revenge!

Maybe next year for the elderberry jelly, but thanks everyone for your help.

Elaine

[VegGirl7]

Hi Elaine,  elderberries grow all over the place, I'm sure you could find some more to use without much bother...

I forage for them every year to make wine and can usually get enough within 10-20 mins walking from my house (I don't live in the countryside) 

have a look in hedgerows, any pieces of unused ground, beside railway tracks (both unused ones and in use - but be careful!), in churchyards  - I'll collect from anywhere so long as there isn't heavy traffic close by   

[cheshirecheese]

I made some Pontack Sauce from the River Cottage Preserves Handbook last year ... I tell you, by the time I'd finished I'd just about lost the will!  And I certainly understand why it's traditional to keep it for seven years before trying it ... once you've gone through that palava, it'll be another seven years before you can face doing it again!!!      

[aelf]

I've just collected 3 lb elderberries for the good ladies of our church who make a lovely elderberry and apple jelly for sale at the Christmas fair