Elderberries

[pixelseventy2]

Hi, everyone. I had my first attempt at making jelly today, using blackberries and elderberries that I've collected. I've got it straining at the moment. I used about 700g of blackberries, and 200g of elderberries, with 900g of apples.

My question is, do I need to be concerned if there were a few unripe elderberries in there? My daughter helped strip the berries, and I'm pretty sure between us that a few unripe ones got through.

What do you think? Thanks.

 

[British Red]

Unripe ones shouldn't be a problem healthwise. A great deal (25%) may make things a little bitter. Do be aware that some people react to eating elderberries. I never have myself but its something to be aware of.

 

[pixelseventy2]

Thanks. There'll only be a few, and maybe a few stalks, but I guess all the cooking will help too. There's just a lot of paranoia on the Internet. Guess I should stop reading it

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[British Red]

It's amazing how many people make knowledgeable sounding pronouncements on subjects they have no experience of

 

[Toddy]

It's possible to use a fork to remove the elderberries from the stalks. Really best they don't end up in jam, in jelly it's not so much of a problem but they can be bitter….and considering it's elderberries we're discussing, that's saying something.

I am happy to eat the berries raw, but I know that a lot of people just cannot digest them comfortably. Better safe than sorry; cook them if you haven't tried them before.

cheers,
Toddy

 

[pixelseventy2]

It's amazing how many people make knowledgeable sounding pronouncements on subjects they have no experience of

Isn't that the whole point of the Internet? Well, that and cat pictures.

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[pixelseventy2]

It's possible to use a fork to remove the elderberries from the stalks. Really best they don't end up in jam, in jelly it's not so much of a problem but they can be bitter….and considering it's elderberries we're discussing, that's saying something.

I am happy to eat the berries raw, but I know that a lot of people just cannot digest them comfortably. Better safe than sorry; cook them if you haven't tried them before.

cheers,
Toddy

Thanks. These are all well cooked, it's the few unripe ones I was concerned about. It's only around 10% elderberry though.

Of course, that assumes it actually sets; I'm not optimistic I used the small pan, as the big one was used to sterilise the jars, and I had to transfer part way through, so I suspect I might have over boiled it.

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[Toddy]

They'll be fine It's jelly so it's all 'juiced out' anyway.
It should set fine too, overboiling can just sometimes leave a very 'cooked' fruit taste, but it's never bad jam so long as you don't get it burnt stuck on the bottom of the pot

The brambles are lovely just now

M

 

[pixelseventy2]

Looks like it's set after all Not tried any yet though. Going to wait till I can have some for breakfast at the weekend.

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