Wild Moon Cottage is a small working homestead in the pristine Ozark Mountains. We have dairy goats, poultry, organic herb and vegetable gardens, a start of a tiny fruit orchard, several black walnut trees, wild berries and fields of wildcrafting goodness. We raise our own milk, our own eggs, much of our own medicine and food. I do laundry by hand, make my own vinegar, candles, soap, bread, cheese ........ For a living I am an artist and herbalist. My goal for myself and our homestead is to be as self sufficient and self sustaining as possible.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Elderberry Days

Along with all the other harvesting, it's also Elderberry season :) Around here it starts the end of Aug and goes to mid Sept.. Right now the Elderberry bushes near us are loaded and the berries look wonderful this year.

The first batch we gathered went into our stomachs by way Elderberry scones and sprinkled on oatmeal. This batch and most of the rest will be dried for winter use, mostly in baking. I may also add some to berry jellies. I've had Elderberry wine and it's very good. I've made Elderberry mead as well tho i prefered the wine.

Unfortunately when they dry they end up about 1/4 the size so it takes a lot to make a little but they're so good and nutritious, they're worth it.

In spring we also eat the flower heads, they're excellent in breads, pancakes, waffles and fritters. Like Daylilies :)


They're kind of like tiny blueberries, shiny little black jewels just waiting to become something fine.


4 comments:

Linda Foley said...

I so wish we had some elderberries around where we live. When I was growing up in Alaska we picked, picked, and picked some more berries. Mother would make jelly and she died a lot for snacks and adding to recipes. My favorite was Black current. Even today just the smell brings memories flooding back! I intend to plant some next year...

Anonymous said...

I need to find some elderberries... we use the syrup to ward off colds and illness.They really are good for you!
Zinnia

Peggy said...

I wonder if there are some around here..will have to check this weekend. Have a blessed day!

Nickie said...

Hi-

I've recently stumbled across a bumper crop of what I think are elderberries growing wild in my area. I am wild with excitement but there are more than I can possibly make into jam. How do you dry them and store them?

Thanks