Elderberry Applesauce: An Experiment

Elderberries in September

In Search of Elderberries

In March of this year, our family was hit hard with the flu.  Wanting to strengthen our immune systems naturally, I thought of trying the elderberry-based herbal remedy, Sambucol.  While I didn't find any at the pharmacy we frequent, the thought of finding and making my own elderberry extract remained appealing.

Picking Elderberries

In late summer, I spotted a bush with dark purple berries.  I suspected they were elderberries, but wanted to be quite sure, so as to avoid a life-threatening mistake.  I finally gained enough confidence last week to pick some berries, using the information I found to distinguish edible elderberries from a similar lookalike plant that is highly toxic.

Making Elderberry Applesauce

I decided to sweeten the elderberries with apples.  So I peeled, cored, and cut up half a dozen apples, added some lemon juice, and tossed in what elderberries I had, which was about a handful.  After letting the mixture simmer in the slow cooker on low overnight, I realized I needed to add water and more sweetener.  I shook in some cinnamon as well, both for flavor and for its additional immune-boosting properties.  Here is a list of all the ingredients used to make the elderberry applesauce:

• Apple slices
• Elderberries
• Lemon juice
• Maple syrup
• Water
• Cinnamon

Results and Resolutions

I certainly plan to make elderberry applesauce again--next year, since this was the end of the season.  Next time I intend to pick the elderberries when they are juicier, rather than overripe. Also, I will not simmer the applesauce overnight, but rather keep an eye on the process, add more water, and stir it every once in a while so that the fruit cooks evenly.  Also, I might try straining out the elderberry seeds.  Nevertheless, I was happy with my first results, and hope that elderberries can help us stay healthier this fall and winter.

This week I'm linking to AP Tuesday, Try New Adventures and Pennywise Platter Thursday.