Elderberries are in season from August to September, so it’s the perfect time to plan for harvesting and processing these wonderful berries. Here are some tips to make the most of your elderberry harvest.

Welcome back to Oceans Bliss Portal!

Preparing for Harvest
Wear old clothes: Elderberries are messy, and their juice can stain. Even if you’re careful, you’ll likely get splashed. Ensure the berries are fully ripe: Only pick deep purple or black berries. Unripe berries can be toxic, so don’t eat as you pick; they need to be cooked first!

Bring clippers and a lined wheelbarrow: Clippers make it easy to cut the clusters, and a wheelbarrow is ideal for transporting them. The clusters are large, so your wheelbarrow will fill up quickly.

Processing the Harvest
Making syrup: I make about 20 pint-sized jars of syrup each year. You’ll need approximately 3 pounds of berries for every 4-5 pint-sized jars.

Freezing the berries: After rinsing, freeze the berries. Once frozen, strip them from their stems, ensuring all stems are removed.

Using a food mill: A food mill can help separate the berries from their tiny seeds, making the syrup smoother. Use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove any remaining stems or seeds for a clearer syrup.

Storing and Using Elderberry Products
Stock up for winter: Elderberry syrup is medicinal and can help prevent colds and flu. Store as much as possible and consume some daily during winter for the best health benefits.

Favourite recipes: My favourite elderberry syrup recipes include raw honey, apple cider vinegar, and warming spices like cinnamon and clove.

Happy Elderberry Harvesting and Processing!

With Bliss xo