Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Eating and Drinking => Homebrew => Topic started by: poultrygeist on August 16, 2009, 19:12

Title: Elderberries - stripping and sorting
Post by: poultrygeist on August 16, 2009, 19:12
I've started collectign the little shiny black objects from the hedges. Obviously, there's always a few green and red ones on each bunch.
have done some using the fork method and some with finger and thumb.

Finger and thumb seems to give less stalks but still quite a few unripe ones.

I'm using the floating method to try and sort ripe/unripe but am finding quite a few greens at the bottom and as many blacks floating.
Will this matter in a gallon of elderberry and blackberry and, if so, do I need to pick out all the non-black berries from the bowl by hand ?  :(

Rob 8)
Title: Re: Elderberries - stripping and sorting
Post by: GrannieAnnie on August 16, 2009, 19:28
I don't pick them all out Rob, but the patience required is worth it in the end!  My 3 gallons of blackcurrant and elderberry ( last year's 3lb frozen elderberries!) is bubbling away very nicely in the garage, and I had a little sip earlier today, coming along very nicely!  Unlike the one I made last year and ruined it!!!    :D :D :D
Title: Re: Elderberries - stripping and sorting
Post by: poultrygeist on August 16, 2009, 19:33
Righto Ann ! That's settled it. I'll dive in with my little fingers and chuck out the greens and reds  :D

Only got about half a pound or so so far but I'm watching the rest constantly so I can pounce before the birds get them all. I reckon I could grab about 2lbs within the week. Already got about 2lbs of blackberries so I can make a nice strong mix.

Rob 8)