The wild elderberries are mostly ready for picking. They are almost black when ripe, as opposed to the red or even deep red.
Break off the berry stems from the tree, bring inside and wash in a large bowl. Remove the berries into a colander by rolling with your fingers. Unfortunately some stems will end up in it, as will some green berries. Another method of berry removal is to freeze them while still as clusters. The berries come off easier, but so don't the little stems.
Rinse again, trying to remove green berries and mini twigs. I dumped them into a large pot and then added 40oz of dark honey from our bees. Covered and put on low.
That cooks while I am at work, for about 5 hours. I want to make sure I then bring it to a boil, uncover and simmer for a bit. I'll want to break down the berries, and remove as much water as is desirable.
(Don't eat elderberries raw... they can be toxic.)
There are a lot of expressions that we hear now and then; most we think we know the origin of, some we don't. For the most part we just don't ponder the origin of commonplace expressions because they are... common. The first thing I discovered when beginning to read this little gem of a book, was not only hadn't I considered where many common sayings come from, but my preconceived idea of their origin was actually wrong! Kinda embarrassing, but guessing I may not be alone in this. I thought it would be of value then to share some tidbits from this book. Audio format is nice, as you can multitask while listening to this. This is my first attempt at recording reading a book, so any constructive criticism is welcome!
There are a lot of expressions that we hear now and then; most we think we know the origin of, some we don't. For the most part we just don't ponder the origin of commonplace expressions because they are... common. The first thing I discovered when beginning to read this little gem of a book, was not only hadn't I considered where many common sayings come from, but my preconceived idea of their origin was actually wrong! Kinda embarrassing, but guessing I may not be alone in this. I thought it would be of value then to share some tidbits from this book. Audio format is nice, as you can multitask while listening to this. This is my first attempt at recording reading a book, so any constructive criticism is welcome!
There are a lot of expressions that we hear now and then; most we think we know the origin of, some we don't. For the most part we just don't ponder the origin of commonplace expressions because they are... common. The first thing I discovered when beginning to read this little gem of a book, was not only hadn't I considered where many common sayings come from, but my preconceived idea of their origin was actually wrong! Kinda embarrassing, but guessing I may not be alone in this. I thought it would be of value then to share some tidbits from this book. Audio format is nice, as you can multitask while listening to this. This is my first attempt at recording reading a book, so any constructive criticism is welcome!
Cool! I've never noticed galls on staghorn sumac. Location: SE NH.
Melaphis rhois on Rhus typhina
https://bygl.osu.edu/node/1112