Picking Elderberries for Syrup - by Sunscape

It was three years ago that I planted an Elderberry slip at the edge of my back yard. This year is the first time that the plant was loaded with flowers. I was hopeful to be able to harvest a crop this fall.

Sure enough, I waited until the berries turned bright red and the branches were bending downward. I had noticed that some birds were starting to eat the berries, and I knew I had to get to them before they were gone.

I pick the heads that had the brightest berries and sat on the porch carefully removing them from the stems. That was a rather tedious job, but I managed to get a nice number of berries.

Finally, I had finished the task and was pleased with a bowl full.

I still have some Elderberry Syrup that I had purchased last winter, so I decided to put them into a container and freeze them. I will be able to make a small batch of syrup later in the year if needed. I will need to look up how to make it correctly when the time comes, being it is the first time for myself.

Does anyone else make syrup from the berries to boost the immune system? They are a great source of Vitamin C, rich in antioxidants, and help to reduce the severity of a cold. It will be nice to have them on hand during the winter months.

Today is to be super nice weather and I still have a lot of trimming to do in the gardens. That will keep me busy as I can see some peppers need to be harvested. ;-)

The HIVE GARDEN COMMUNITY supports gardening, homesteading, cannabis growers, permaculture and other garden or botanical related content. Delegations to the curation account, @gardenhive, are welcome! Find our community here!