There is no mistaking around these parts that summer is on its way out, and in the process, our world in these parts is slowly being overtaken by shows of gold and orange and red the likes of which I think , are fairly unmatched anywhere in the world, I I believe! We are making like squirrels and chipmunks and gathering up what is the last of summer's bounty and putting it up to have for the winter that is to come. My dear herbalist amiga Maria spent the day here processing elderberries and currants, and I thought you might enjoy a peek at the process. My kitchen is t-i-n-y, but that did not stop us...see the picture of her canning rig that we set up out back. Elderberries have been shown to have incredible immune boosting abilities. I take a tablespoon of this stuff daily in the winter, and quadruple it if I feel a cold coming on. So easy to make, and you dont even need to can it, as we did ( she produces huge quantities)...you can simply make a smaller amount and keep it in the fridge, as per the recipe. No access to fresh berries?...dried ones work too!..you can try getting them here.
Elder Berry Tincture
½ cup dried organic elderberries
1 cinnamon stick
5 cloves
1T ginger
2 cup water
1 cup honey
-combine all ingredients except honey and bring to a boil.
-reduce heat to a simmer and continue to heat until liquid is down to about 1 cup (30 min.
-strain , leaving behind elderberries and spices
-add honey
-keep in refrigerator for up to 3 months ( canning this makes it last till you break the seal)
( you can compost the leftover berries, and if you have chickens, they will think this is an awesome treat!)
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in love, light and good winter health! xo K