Elderberry cordial / Sirop de sureau noir

elderberry-autumn-fall-elder-foraging

Elderberry cordial is a flavoursome, comforting autumn wonder. One of those seasonal treats which, like blackberries and other foraging gems, somewhat eases the passing of summer. So this year, I promised myself I would try and not miss the short elderberry season.

I have been keeping a close eye on the elder tree standing by the gate to Pebbles’ Nature Kindergarten. Where only a couple of months ago fragrant elderflowers gently swayed in the breeze, florets of tiny, hard green berries have appeared. Like blackberries, they have now ripened into a deep purple, which spreads to the stems.

Last week, I went with Pebbles and picked my first elderberries – 800g of them. After a few online searches, I came across this simple recipe, which brings out the subtle flavour of elderberries.

elderberry-cordial-recipe-autumn-fall-ireland-foraging

 

Like any cordial, it can be diluted in still water. Served in hot water with a lemon wedge, it makes for a warming winter drink, even a non-alcoholic mulled wine if you add cinnamon sticks, orange slices, raisins, etc. The possibilities are endless. 

It comes as a bonus that elderberries boast many sniffle-busting benefits, which I got to experience first-hand last weekend.


Le sirop de sureau noir est un savoureux trésor automnal. Un de ces plaisirs de saison qui, comme les mûres et les champignons, atténue le blues de la fin d’été. Donc cette année, je m’étais promis de ne pas rater la courte saison des baies de sureau.

Depuis une quinzaine de jours, je surveille de près le sureau noir (Sambucus nigra) qui pousse à l’entrée du jardin d’enfants de Caillou.

Là où, il y a deux mois, des fleurs blanches parfumées se balançaient dans la brise, des bouquets de petites baies vertes et dures sont apparus. Comme les mûres, elles deviennent en mûrissant d’un violet sombre qui colore aussi les tiges.

La semaine dernière, je suis allée en cueillir avec Caillou : en quelques minutes, j’en ai récolté 800 grammes. Après des recherches en ligne, je suis tombée sur une recette toute simple et adaptable à souhait, qui fait ressortir le goût subtil des baies de sureau.

 

Comme tout sirop, il se boit dilué à l’eau. Allongé d’eau chaude, avec une tranche de citron, il donne une boisson d’hiver réconfortante, voire un vin chaud sans alcool en y ajoutant de l’orange, de la cannelle, des raisins secs, etc. Les possibilités sont infinies.
En plus, les baies de sureau ont d’étonnantes propriétés curatives contre les rhumes et autres maux hivernaux, que j’ai eu l’occasion de tester le weekend dernier !

6 Responses to “Elderberry cordial / Sirop de sureau noir

  • I’ve always fancied making my own Elderflower cordial but assumed it would be rather tricky.

    This looks surprisingly simple.

  • I’m sure we have elderberries out on the farm at the moment, I’m going to see if there is something quick and easy I can make with he children here. I remember they are quite bitter and need cooking which may be tricky but you have inspired me to give something a go.

    Thank you for sharing a lovely sounding cordial on #CountryKids

  • Great recipe! I’ve always wondered how you make things with elderberries and feel sorry for the ones I see squished. They look like they are bursting with goodness. I will have to have a forage and see if I can make the cordial. #CountryKids

  • Thanks for sharing the recipe. I have never had anything with Elderberries. #CountryKids

  • That sounds really simple!

  • This sounds much easier than I would have expected! Thanks for sharing 🙂 #countrykids

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