Elderberries are an ancient plant thought to be native to Pennsylvania. If you don’t know anyone with bushes, you can find them growing wild and forage the berries. You can also grow them yourself. The berries are in season from August through September.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh elderberries
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 star anise
- 5 cloves
- 1½ cups sugar
- Juice of 1 lemon
Preparation
In a saucepan, combine elderberries with just enough water to cover them. Add spices and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
Transfer the mixture to a strainer set over a bowl and press through with a pestle or the back of a spoon. Discard the seeds and berry skins.
Transfer the syrup back to the saucepan and add the sugar and lemon juice. Simmer for 5 more minutes.
