If you are looking for various Elderberry recipes to experiment with, look no further than Wild Cottage.
Elderberry & clove cordial (also similar recipe here Elderberry cordial )
Blackberry & elderberry jelly
Elderberry wine
Elder bush remedies
Elderberry & ginger cold and flu remedy/cure all
The magic of elderberries
I'd love to know if you have any unusual elderberry recipes please.
I am adding new recipes all the time - please visit again.
Showing posts with label Cures and Remedies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cures and Remedies. Show all posts
Friday, 12 September 2014
Monday, 8 September 2014
Elderberry & Ginger Winter Remedy Recipe
(The recipe is at the bottom of the text)
Storing quantities of this 'Elderberry & Ginger Winter Remedy' for when required, should be a staple of all natural health loving households.
Elderberries have long been known by wise old women to be an excellent natural all round medicine (probably a few wise old men too). This is something I was born and raised with, and still continue to practise today.
I found several ideas for a medicinal version of the popular elderberry cordial, but they all contained sugar and none contained ginger. So I ended up concocting this recipe, which embodies everything I consider good for combating colds, pesky sore throats, bacterial and viral infections, as well as creating something you can take daily to help combat cholesterol, improve your vision, as a diuretic, boost your immune system, help with allergies, as an antioxidant, and much more. Elderberries are also slightly laxative in nature, and so will help regulate a sluggish bowel, in a very gentle way.
In Chinese medicine they is used to treat rheumatism and bodily injuries.
Some studies have also begun to indicate that Elderberries have a role to play in combating cancer and some other immune diseases - the anthocyanins help to rebuild damaged cells, as well as protect them via the immune system.
It's a new take on the old saying about an apple a day, "A spoonful a day keeps the doctor away" (sorry apples). But this is something I have done for years throughout the winter.
The compounds found in Elderberries are many, and include vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B, amino acids, tannin, rutin, carotenooids, flavonoids (anthocyanins), viburnic acid, and a lot more.
Elderberry & Ginger Winter Remedy Recipe
Ingredients
(The exact quantities are not important, but are more guidelines)
2 lb Elderberries - measured when de-stalked so just the clean berries remain
3 teacups Water
3 teacups Honey
Organic whole Lemon
2 inch piece fresh root Ginger
Directions
1. Put the clean berries into a stainless steel saucepan, add the water.
2. Add the juice of the lemon to the berries, and the peel also. Making sure to NOT include the 'pith', which is the bitter white layer beneath the peel/skin and before the actual lemon segments. It is important that the lemon is organic, as non-organic lemons have wax and other nasty chemicals on the skins.
3. Chop the fresh ginger root into small bits, and add them to the berry mix also.
4. Bring to the boil and then simmer gently for about 50 minutes. Keep the lid on the saucepan, so as not to loose any of the precious juice by condensation and evaporation. If it looks like the water is too low, add another cup.
5. Turn off the heat and mash the berries with a potato masher, until as much juice as possible is extracted from the berries.
6. Strain the juice and mashed berries through a muslin cloth, or another suitable fine meshed fruit/wine making strainer. Return the liquid to a clean saucepan. The remaining squished berries, lemon bits and ginger are great on the compost heap, given to chickens, or maybe the birds would enjoy them.
7. Add the honey to the mixture in the saucepan.
8. Turn the heat back on, slowly bringing the mixture to the boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes. Again, keep the lid on the saucepan so as not to loose any of the liquid.
9. While still hot, pour into sterilised bottles and screw the lids on immediately. Tip each bottle upside down for a couple of minutes to ensure complete sterilisation of the lids etc.
This will keep for at least a year, maybe more. But obviously, making fresh batches each year is best, as you will then have fresh berries each year.
Please note: The above recipe is recommended as an aid to good health, combating a cold, sore throats, coughs and the flu. It is in no way intended to be medical advice - if you are at all worried, see your doctor.
Storing quantities of this 'Elderberry & Ginger Winter Remedy' for when required, should be a staple of all natural health loving households.
Elderberries have long been known by wise old women to be an excellent natural all round medicine (probably a few wise old men too). This is something I was born and raised with, and still continue to practise today.
I found several ideas for a medicinal version of the popular elderberry cordial, but they all contained sugar and none contained ginger. So I ended up concocting this recipe, which embodies everything I consider good for combating colds, pesky sore throats, bacterial and viral infections, as well as creating something you can take daily to help combat cholesterol, improve your vision, as a diuretic, boost your immune system, help with allergies, as an antioxidant, and much more. Elderberries are also slightly laxative in nature, and so will help regulate a sluggish bowel, in a very gentle way.
In Chinese medicine they is used to treat rheumatism and bodily injuries.
Some studies have also begun to indicate that Elderberries have a role to play in combating cancer and some other immune diseases - the anthocyanins help to rebuild damaged cells, as well as protect them via the immune system.
It's a new take on the old saying about an apple a day, "A spoonful a day keeps the doctor away" (sorry apples). But this is something I have done for years throughout the winter.
The compounds found in Elderberries are many, and include vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B, amino acids, tannin, rutin, carotenooids, flavonoids (anthocyanins), viburnic acid, and a lot more.
Elderberry & Ginger Winter Remedy Recipe
Ingredients
(The exact quantities are not important, but are more guidelines)
2 lb Elderberries - measured when de-stalked so just the clean berries remain
3 teacups Water
3 teacups Honey
Organic whole Lemon
2 inch piece fresh root Ginger
Directions
1. Put the clean berries into a stainless steel saucepan, add the water.
2. Add the juice of the lemon to the berries, and the peel also. Making sure to NOT include the 'pith', which is the bitter white layer beneath the peel/skin and before the actual lemon segments. It is important that the lemon is organic, as non-organic lemons have wax and other nasty chemicals on the skins.
3. Chop the fresh ginger root into small bits, and add them to the berry mix also.
4. Bring to the boil and then simmer gently for about 50 minutes. Keep the lid on the saucepan, so as not to loose any of the precious juice by condensation and evaporation. If it looks like the water is too low, add another cup.
5. Turn off the heat and mash the berries with a potato masher, until as much juice as possible is extracted from the berries.
6. Strain the juice and mashed berries through a muslin cloth, or another suitable fine meshed fruit/wine making strainer. Return the liquid to a clean saucepan. The remaining squished berries, lemon bits and ginger are great on the compost heap, given to chickens, or maybe the birds would enjoy them.
7. Add the honey to the mixture in the saucepan.
8. Turn the heat back on, slowly bringing the mixture to the boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes. Again, keep the lid on the saucepan so as not to loose any of the liquid.
9. While still hot, pour into sterilised bottles and screw the lids on immediately. Tip each bottle upside down for a couple of minutes to ensure complete sterilisation of the lids etc.
This will keep for at least a year, maybe more. But obviously, making fresh batches each year is best, as you will then have fresh berries each year.
Please note: The above recipe is recommended as an aid to good health, combating a cold, sore throats, coughs and the flu. It is in no way intended to be medical advice - if you are at all worried, see your doctor.
Friday, 29 August 2014
Elderberry Cordial (with Cloves) - Recipe 1
I have decided to conduct an experiment. I intend to make several different batches of Elderberry Cordial this year, using different recipe ideas.
I'll post each recipe as I make it, and then add the 'taste test' results at the bottom of each post (as well as a summary Post when I run out of berries). I'll also add information about the preservation qualities of each recipe batch as the winter progresses.
This cordial, when combined with water, is the perfect winter pick-me-up drink, and is also an excellent cold and flu preventative and remedy. It is full of vitamins, especially vitamin C, plus antioxidants and much more.
One last thing - this makes a great Christmas gift, especially if part of a homemade gift box.
Elderberry & Clove Cordial - Recipe 1
Elderberries (cut the whole flower/berry heads from the bush )
Sugar
Cloves
1. Pick the elderberries on a dry day. Remove the berries from the stalks by 'combing' them off with a fork. Make sure all insects and mouldy berries are discarded.
2. Stew the berries in a large covered stainless steel saucepan, with just enough water to cover the berries. This will take about 45 minutes. Stir occasionally, but keep covered so as not to allow the juice to evaporate.
3. Strain it all through muslin, squeezing to get all the juice out.
4. To each pint of juice add 1 lb of white granulated sugar and 10 cloves.
5. Boil for 10 minutes.
6. Allow the liquid to cool.
7. Bottle the cordial in sterile bottles with good quality plastic screw-on tops, making sure you distribute the cloves evenly amongst the bottles (they act as a preservative). You can use recycled drink bottles and mini wine bottles are brilliant.
The cordial can be used immediately, but will also keep well for a year or two.
*TASTE TEST*
This recipe has a really festive aroma and taste, mainly due to the cloves. The resulting drink, once watered down, is especially nice served hot.
Taken with hot water it is renowned as a guard against colds, and a glass a day through winter is a wise precaution...
I'll post each recipe as I make it, and then add the 'taste test' results at the bottom of each post (as well as a summary Post when I run out of berries). I'll also add information about the preservation qualities of each recipe batch as the winter progresses.
This cordial, when combined with water, is the perfect winter pick-me-up drink, and is also an excellent cold and flu preventative and remedy. It is full of vitamins, especially vitamin C, plus antioxidants and much more.
One last thing - this makes a great Christmas gift, especially if part of a homemade gift box.
Elderberry & Clove Cordial - Recipe 1
Elderberries (cut the whole flower/berry heads from the bush )
Sugar
Cloves
1. Pick the elderberries on a dry day. Remove the berries from the stalks by 'combing' them off with a fork. Make sure all insects and mouldy berries are discarded.
2. Stew the berries in a large covered stainless steel saucepan, with just enough water to cover the berries. This will take about 45 minutes. Stir occasionally, but keep covered so as not to allow the juice to evaporate.
3. Strain it all through muslin, squeezing to get all the juice out.
4. To each pint of juice add 1 lb of white granulated sugar and 10 cloves.
5. Boil for 10 minutes.
6. Allow the liquid to cool.
7. Bottle the cordial in sterile bottles with good quality plastic screw-on tops, making sure you distribute the cloves evenly amongst the bottles (they act as a preservative). You can use recycled drink bottles and mini wine bottles are brilliant.
The cordial can be used immediately, but will also keep well for a year or two.
*TASTE TEST*
This recipe has a really festive aroma and taste, mainly due to the cloves. The resulting drink, once watered down, is especially nice served hot.
Taken with hot water it is renowned as a guard against colds, and a glass a day through winter is a wise precaution...
Tuesday, 1 July 2014
Are You Sushi For Mosquitoes ? Plantain Is The Answer
 |
| Plantain - Plantago major |
Recently I was doing some research online regarding insect bites and nettle stings, and natural ways to relieve or stop the itching and pain associated with them. I seem to be one of those unfortunate people who are eaten alive every time I venture outside in the summer months, especially after 5pm.
Post 5 o'clock is dinner time for the midges here in South Galway, and then you have those special Irish mosquitoes who are always ravenous when it's BBQ o'clock. They must lurk at the bottom of our field in the lush swamp, protected by the EC SAC laws - European Special Area of Conservation, ready to swarm up the garden as the clock strikes 5 and we are looking forward to eating a romantic dinner for two outside - lucky mosquitoes !
If you are anything like me, then you are tasty food for all biting insects. My skin obviously has that certain taste and smell that they are looking for. I am sushi for mosquitoes...
So, what can you do when you find yourself sprouting red swollen lumps in places which no well brought up young lady likes to mention, which itch uncontrollably, look unladylike ugly, and are painful as well. Some insect bites contain poison which travels well beyond the site of the original bite, making things far worse. I end up wanting to rip my arm off, or foot, or somewhere unmentionable... Now you need look no further !
I have been reading about Plantain. No, not the banana like fruit that is great sliced and deep fried, but a very plain little plant that grows across Ireland, the UK, Europe and even in North America, Asia, Australia and well beyond.
The common broad leaved plantain is a perennial weed which thrives almost anywhere. Just be sure, if you are gathering them for medicinal use, or for food, use a source away from weedkillers, pesticides, traffic and such.
Why it is So Useful:
The chemicals in Plantain which make it so incredibly useful, are aucubin, an anti microbial, mucilage, which reduces pain etc, and allantoin, which stimulates cell growth and regeneration.
Medicinal Uses:
Diuretic
Astringent
Draws out stings and poison from bites - rub leaves onto and bind on skin
Skin healer - skin ulcers, inflammation, minor burns, sores and hot skin etc - bruise leaves and hold on skin
Leaves can stop minor bleeding when bruised and held on skin
Bruise leaves to form a poultice for above also...
Prevents infection in wounds also
Tea made from the leaves can ease diarrhoea and soothe internal surfaces
Food:
Full of vitamins A, C and K, as well as calcium - highly nutritious
The young leaves can be used raw in salads or sandwiches
Older leaves can be stewed or boiled well as a vegetable or in soups
Odd Info:
Pliny stated that it would cure the madness of dogs...
Saturday, 24 May 2014
10 Best Natural Cold Remedies
Here is a list of my 10 favourite ways to fight off that awful cold and sore throat that is wrecking your life.
I was inspired to compile this post whilst lying in bed all night, unable to sleep, with a suddenly swollen rough sore throat, sinuses bunged up through my head to my popping ears (although my nose has managed so far to keep small passages open to breathe a bit), gritty watering red eyes, a wheezing chest with a mucus cough and swollen glands in my neck (obviously fighting off the germs invading me). Otherwise known as a common cold.
The following list of natural, and mostly homemade remedies, is compiled from many years of suffering, over many generations!
Firstly, and very important, YOU DON'T NEED ANTIBIOTICS. They are only required if you get an infection that your body can't fight off naturally, such as sinusitis or bronchitis. They will not affect your common cold, which is a VIRUS. And there are many of them.
1. Elderberries
It's not just some old wives tale your Granny used to waffle on about. Nor some kind of witchy cleverness. Elderberries are in fact an easily accessible, locally growing Superfood!
Elderberry cordial or syrup is well known as a cold prevention remedy, as well as helping to knock it for six once you are are afflicted.
This recipe includes cloves, which are another amazing preventative and curative natural aid to combating colds and flu.
http://www.wildcottage.blogspot.ie/2013/11/the-magic-of-elderberries.html
2. Ginger
I use an old ginger tea recipe that I think my Great Aunt gave me, but I can't remember exactly. Needless to say I've used it forever - and it seriously works. Especially on the sore throats.
The website below has exactly the same recipe and process, and it is presented very clearly.
http://www.learningherbs.com/flu_home_remedy_tea.html
If you are REALLY sick and want it extra strong, just add more ginger !
3 Gargling with Raspberry Leaves and Salt
If you have a sore throat, this is the way to go. There are various old remedies you can use to gargle your sore throat away...
I was inspired to compile this post whilst lying in bed all night, unable to sleep, with a suddenly swollen rough sore throat, sinuses bunged up through my head to my popping ears (although my nose has managed so far to keep small passages open to breathe a bit), gritty watering red eyes, a wheezing chest with a mucus cough and swollen glands in my neck (obviously fighting off the germs invading me). Otherwise known as a common cold.
The following list of natural, and mostly homemade remedies, is compiled from many years of suffering, over many generations!
Firstly, and very important, YOU DON'T NEED ANTIBIOTICS. They are only required if you get an infection that your body can't fight off naturally, such as sinusitis or bronchitis. They will not affect your common cold, which is a VIRUS. And there are many of them.
1. Elderberries
It's not just some old wives tale your Granny used to waffle on about. Nor some kind of witchy cleverness. Elderberries are in fact an easily accessible, locally growing Superfood!
Elderberry cordial or syrup is well known as a cold prevention remedy, as well as helping to knock it for six once you are are afflicted.
This recipe includes cloves, which are another amazing preventative and curative natural aid to combating colds and flu.
http://www.wildcottage.blogspot.ie/2013/11/the-magic-of-elderberries.html
2. Ginger
I use an old ginger tea recipe that I think my Great Aunt gave me, but I can't remember exactly. Needless to say I've used it forever - and it seriously works. Especially on the sore throats.
The website below has exactly the same recipe and process, and it is presented very clearly.
http://www.learningherbs.com/flu_home_remedy_tea.html
If you are REALLY sick and want it extra strong, just add more ginger !
3 Gargling with Raspberry Leaves and Salt
If you have a sore throat, this is the way to go. There are various old remedies you can use to gargle your sore throat away...
Gargling with salted water (use natural sea salt) moistens your throat and brings temporary relief to the symptoms. The salt will also help to kill any germs and nasty bacteria sticking to your throat.
Use half a teaspoon of salt, dissolved in 8ozs of warm water. Do this 4 times a day for the best results.
To reduce that really annoying tickle, try an 'astringent' gargle. Use tea that contains tannin, that's black tea; this will tighten the membranes. Or use a thick gargle made with honey or honey and apple cider vinegar mixed.
Alternatively, soak 1 tablespoon of raspberry leaves (or lemon juice but its not as potent) in 2 cups of hot water, soak for at leaves 15 minutes maybe more; stir in 1 teaspoon of honey. Let the mixture cool to room temperature before gargling.
4 Drink Loads of Water
This is vital to help keep your body hydrated, especially as you may have a slight temperature while your body's immune system battles with the cold germs.
It could also help keep the mucus in your nose and sinuses thinner, and therefore make it easier to remove it when you need to blow your nose.
5 Vitamin C
There has been a fair amount of research to back up this old wives tale, and as is usually the case, our grannies and the local 'healer' knew their stuff.
More natural ways you can add vitamin C to your body is via the food you eat. Everything from oranges, lemons and grapefruits, to peppers and chillies. Eat masses of fruit and a good variety of vegetables. If you can't eat much as you feel too ill, then make a smooth soup from a wide selection of the vegetables, or a pure juice drink by juicing a selection of fruit.
Nowadays the easiest way to take vitamin C is by dissolving a tablet in water and drinking the fizzing concoction that results. You need around 1000mg to 1500mg to help fight off the cold. Vitamin C does this by aiding your immune system. It can also help get rid of your cold faster.
6 Chicken Soup
I had no idea why this works, but I just knew it did ! So I did some research...
Apparently the fumes that come off the hot soup, contain cysteine - that's the stuff that you can or cannot smell, depending on how stuffed up your nose is - that help to release the mucus, at the same time thinning it, so aiding the process whereby your cold goes away faster.
It also helps the body to fight the virus, and contains many needed nutrients if well made.
7 Garlic
Crush 2 cloves of fresh garlic and put into a small glass of water - drink it fast and you won't notice the taste if you are lucky !
If you are pregnant, don't use more than 1 garlic clove.
Garlic is a natural antifungal, antibiotic and is antibacterial. It is a very powerful plant.
8 Cinnamon
Cinnamon, like garlic, is an antibiotic and is antiviral - and remember a cold is caused by various viruses.
Stir 2 tablespoons of cinnamon power into 2 teaspoonfuls of good quality honey and a little warm water. Take half of this straight away, and the rest in a few hours. You can always make another lot after that, if you still need it. This will help to reduce your cough, help keep your temperature down and help with any congestion.
9 Yarrow Tea
You can buy yarrow tea or tea bags from your local health food store - unless of course you are lucky enough to have the wild plant handy nearby.
The tea is very bitter, so sweeten it with honey or stevia, and maybe mix it with a berry tea such as blackberry, raspberry or rosehip.
10 Rest Yourself
This is not as obvious as it seems.
Rest is important when you have the cold virus, as in order to let the body's immune system do it's thing, you need to let it rest. This helps the healing process along quicker.
*The above article/blog post is in no way designed to take the place of medical advice. It is merely my own personal experience. If you are at all worried, or your symptoms are not going away after a week or so, you should consult a medical professional.
Wednesday, 13 November 2013
The Magic of Elderberries
How to Get Rid of the Flu, or Better Still Avoid it Altogether
Elderberry & Clove Cordial Recipe click here
It's not just some old wives tale your Granny used to waffle on about. Nor some kind of witchy cleverness. Elderberries are in fact an easily accessible, locally growing Superfood!
Well local if you live, like me, in Ireland. They are also prolific in the UK, and grow across North America and Europe. I don't know if Elder grows in Australia or anywhere else in the world not mentioned. And there are hundreds, if not thousands, of varieties.
Many people years ago took a glass of Elderberry & Clove Cordial/Syrup, that they had gathered and made themselves, every day. This kept colds and flu at bay, and if you did contract something like this, it would only last a couple of days and be less severe.
Quote:
"In 1992, a team of Israeli scientists studied the effect of elderberry on flu patients. During a flu epidemic, half of their patients were given an elderberry syrup, the other half a placebo. The results: within 24 hours, 20% of the patients receiving elderberry had gotten significantly better. Within two days, 75% of the elderberry group were much improved; within 3 days 90% were completely cured.
Among the placebo group, only 8% of patients improved within 24 hours and it was a full 6 days before 90% of the patients were cured."
and
"Studies have even shown that elderberry worked better than prescription remedies such as Tamiflu and Relenza. Take that, Big Pharma!"
Both the above quotes are from a blog 'TennZen' Elderberry Natural Flu Fighter
Elderberry & Clove Cordial Recipe click here
It's not just some old wives tale your Granny used to waffle on about. Nor some kind of witchy cleverness. Elderberries are in fact an easily accessible, locally growing Superfood!
Well local if you live, like me, in Ireland. They are also prolific in the UK, and grow across North America and Europe. I don't know if Elder grows in Australia or anywhere else in the world not mentioned. And there are hundreds, if not thousands, of varieties.
Many people years ago took a glass of Elderberry & Clove Cordial/Syrup, that they had gathered and made themselves, every day. This kept colds and flu at bay, and if you did contract something like this, it would only last a couple of days and be less severe.
Quote:
"In 1992, a team of Israeli scientists studied the effect of elderberry on flu patients. During a flu epidemic, half of their patients were given an elderberry syrup, the other half a placebo. The results: within 24 hours, 20% of the patients receiving elderberry had gotten significantly better. Within two days, 75% of the elderberry group were much improved; within 3 days 90% were completely cured.
Among the placebo group, only 8% of patients improved within 24 hours and it was a full 6 days before 90% of the patients were cured."
and
"Studies have even shown that elderberry worked better than prescription remedies such as Tamiflu and Relenza. Take that, Big Pharma!"
Both the above quotes are from a blog 'TennZen' Elderberry Natural Flu Fighter
Tuesday, 19 January 2010
Dandelions Are Delicious
One of my real pleasures in life is finding and using free food... for eating, drinking & making remedies.
Just about the most wasted and overlooked plant is the dandelion.
The young leaves are amazing as part of a salad.
The flowers make incredible wine.
The dried roots can be made into a coffee substitute (I'm not fond of it but some people love it).
And they are everywhere !
I am lucky here in that I can pick masses away from car fumes etc. I wouldn't advise picking them on the side of a road unless it is a road that's barely used. And be careful you don't pick ones that have previously been in areas where you have sprayed weedkiller etc.
The dandelion is a hardy perennial plant, taraxacum officinale. So as an added bonus it keeps coming and coming !!!!!! If you are really keen there are several cultivated varieties too, with keen gardeners often covering the leaves from the light for a couple of weeks before picking, to blanch them.
I don't bother with that, I just pick a few young wild plant leaves now and then for a mixed salad.
And sometimes in a stir fry.
Easy.
Healing
Dandelions are good for both the kidneys and the liver.
The leaves have strong diuretic properties acting on the urinary system. They can help reduce water retention and help remove toxins in the body. A tea made from the leaves will do this.
They contain high levels of potassium.
The roots are good for digestive problems. They stimulate bile secretion and are an excellent remedy for liver and gallbladder conditions when prescribed by a professional herbalist or doctor. They stimulate sluggish digestion and are good for indigestion and mild constipation.
The roots are also a good laxative.
You shouldn't use it for more than a salad if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
How to Use (for indigestion & mild constipation)
Infuse 1/2 to 2 teaspoons of dried dandelion root in boiling water and drink 3 cups a day. Sweeten with honey if you need to improve the taste, but never use sweeteners as they can weaken the effect of the remedy.
Just about the most wasted and overlooked plant is the dandelion.
The young leaves are amazing as part of a salad.
The flowers make incredible wine.
The dried roots can be made into a coffee substitute (I'm not fond of it but some people love it).
And they are everywhere !
I am lucky here in that I can pick masses away from car fumes etc. I wouldn't advise picking them on the side of a road unless it is a road that's barely used. And be careful you don't pick ones that have previously been in areas where you have sprayed weedkiller etc.
The dandelion is a hardy perennial plant, taraxacum officinale. So as an added bonus it keeps coming and coming !!!!!! If you are really keen there are several cultivated varieties too, with keen gardeners often covering the leaves from the light for a couple of weeks before picking, to blanch them.
I don't bother with that, I just pick a few young wild plant leaves now and then for a mixed salad.
And sometimes in a stir fry.
Easy.
Healing
Dandelions are good for both the kidneys and the liver.
The leaves have strong diuretic properties acting on the urinary system. They can help reduce water retention and help remove toxins in the body. A tea made from the leaves will do this.
They contain high levels of potassium.
The roots are good for digestive problems. They stimulate bile secretion and are an excellent remedy for liver and gallbladder conditions when prescribed by a professional herbalist or doctor. They stimulate sluggish digestion and are good for indigestion and mild constipation.
The roots are also a good laxative.
You shouldn't use it for more than a salad if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
How to Use (for indigestion & mild constipation)
Infuse 1/2 to 2 teaspoons of dried dandelion root in boiling water and drink 3 cups a day. Sweeten with honey if you need to improve the taste, but never use sweeteners as they can weaken the effect of the remedy.
Tuesday, 8 December 2009
Creative Things to do with Cucumbers
I always grow a few cucumber plants every summer in my polytunnel and it always bugs me that there isn't more I can do with them.
I don't much like them pickled and what else is there one can do with a cucumber, apart from eat it raw in salad etc ?
Hmmm ?
Here are a few ideas:
(Please feel free to send in any of your own and I will add them)
1. Slug Repellent
Put a few slices in an aluminium tin of some kind. The cucumber somehow reacts chemically with the aluminium and gives off some kind of chemical odour or signal. Slugs and snails apparently hate it and run far away.
OK slide...
2. Hangover Cure
Eat a few slices of cucumber before bed after a night out drinking. By the morning you will feel refreshed and headache free ! They contain sugar, vitamin B and electrolytes, in enough quantities to replace those lost drinking. Your body stays balanced.
3. Cellulite and Wrinkle Removal
Rub some slices of cucumber on your thighs or on areas with wrinkles. Do this for a few minutes, 5 is plenty. The photochemicals in the cucumber cause the collagen in your skin to tighten, giving a totally firmer looking upper layer of skin. The same applies to your wrinkles (always supposing you have some - like me).
4. Fogged Up Bathroom Mirror
Use a cucumber slice and rub it over the steamed up bathroom mirror. This will not only keep the mirror clear - but will scent the bathroom too !
5. Squeaky Hinges
A slice of cucumber rubbed along a squeaky hinge can work as well as a squirt of WD40 !
Any more weird and wonderful ideas ?
I will have to test and prove any that are sent in however... so please be kind...
I don't much like them pickled and what else is there one can do with a cucumber, apart from eat it raw in salad etc ?
Hmmm ?
Here are a few ideas:
(Please feel free to send in any of your own and I will add them)
1. Slug Repellent
Put a few slices in an aluminium tin of some kind. The cucumber somehow reacts chemically with the aluminium and gives off some kind of chemical odour or signal. Slugs and snails apparently hate it and run far away.
OK slide...
2. Hangover Cure
Eat a few slices of cucumber before bed after a night out drinking. By the morning you will feel refreshed and headache free ! They contain sugar, vitamin B and electrolytes, in enough quantities to replace those lost drinking. Your body stays balanced.
3. Cellulite and Wrinkle Removal
Rub some slices of cucumber on your thighs or on areas with wrinkles. Do this for a few minutes, 5 is plenty. The photochemicals in the cucumber cause the collagen in your skin to tighten, giving a totally firmer looking upper layer of skin. The same applies to your wrinkles (always supposing you have some - like me).
4. Fogged Up Bathroom Mirror
Use a cucumber slice and rub it over the steamed up bathroom mirror. This will not only keep the mirror clear - but will scent the bathroom too !
5. Squeaky Hinges
A slice of cucumber rubbed along a squeaky hinge can work as well as a squirt of WD40 !
Any more weird and wonderful ideas ?
I will have to test and prove any that are sent in however... so please be kind...
Saturday, 28 November 2009
The World's Healthiest Meal - An Anti Cancer Curry
I was recently browsing around news sites and newspapers, and especially the health, food and medical news, doing my usual thing and getting lost in time...
After a lot of reading bits here and there, I found an article in the Telegraph talking about an Anglo Indian chef who was fanatical about finding the perfect curry - a superfood - superspice curry.
My interest was piqued !
Gurpareet Bains is an English born Anglo Indian cook and nutritional therapist, who has an incredible passion for what he is interested in - and it happens to be extremely healthy food which tastes incredible !
He has developed - designed - invented - whatever you want to call it - The Ultimate Cancer Fighting Curry - which also happens to be incredibly healthy in many other respects.
It is in fact a chicken and blueberry curry, with goji berry pilau rice. Gurpareet says that it can help fight off carcinogenic cells. But it also contains many traditional ingredients like ginger, turmeric, chilli and garlic, which are all in their own right a superfood. And all are antiviral and antibacterial.
Every portion of this incredible curry contains the same nutrition as 49 helpings of spinach, 23 bunches of grapes or 9 helpings of broccoli. The article explains that experts have agreed that it contains up to 20 times as much nutrition as any specially formulated 'healthy' meal.
Gurpareet says that you need only eat this once a week to help deal with the prevention of cancers and many other illnesses such as Alzheimers.
So - what is in this incredible meal ?
I emailed Gurpareet and asked him if he would mind if I included his recipe on my blog. His reply was enthusiastic and he was kind enough to agree.
So here it is...
Chicken Curry with Blueberries & Goji Berry Pilau Rice
(serves 4)
20g chopped Coriander
200g fresh or frozen Blueberries
2 tablespoons freshly grated Ginger
Sea Salt
500g low fat Greek Yogurt
4 cloves Garlic - chopped
5 tablespoons extra virgin Olive Oil
2 teaspoons ground Turmeric
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon Chilli powder
500g uncooked Chicken breast
1 teaspoon Garam Masala
Fresh Coriander leaves
2 teaspoons Cumin seeds
1 small Onion - sliced
1 Carrot - grated
1 & 3/4 cups of Water
1 cup Basmati Rice
50g Goji Berries
Handful of peas (fresh or frozen)
The Curry
1. Blend 20g of chopped coriander, the blueberries, the grated ginger and 3/4 of a teaspoon of salt with the low fat Greek yogurt. Once well blended put this to one side.
2. Put the chopped fresh garlic into a saucepan with 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Heat on a low-medium heat until the garlic starts to brown. Just 1 or 2 minutes.
3. Add 1 teaspoon of turmeric and mix it in well. Heat for 20 seconds.
4. Mix in the ground cinnamon and the chilli powder. Cook this for another 20 seconds.
5. Add 500g of uncooked chicken breast meat, which has been cut into bite sized pieces.
6. Seal the meat, stirring frequently. This should take no more than 5 minutes.
7. Next slowly pour the yogurt mixture (that you prepared above) into the saucepan with the meat.
8. Bring this to a simmer on a low heat.
9. Simmer for 10 minutes. Do not cover. Stir it from time to time.
10. Then stir through the Garam Masala.
11. The curry is made. Garnish with some fresh coriander leaves.
The Rice
12. Place the cumin seeds and 2 tablespoons of olive oil into a saucepan.
13. Heat on a low to medium heat until the seeds begin to pop. This should take no more than 3 minutes.
14. Add the sliced onion and cook until it is soft.
15. Add 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder. Stir it in and heat for 20 seconds.
16. Add the grated carrot and cook for 2 minutes.
17. Boil 1 and 3/4 cups of water.
18. Place the onion mixture, 1 cup of basmati rice, 1/2 teaspoon of salt and the boiling water into a large microwavable bowl. Mix well with a fork.
19. Cook, uncovered, in the microwave for 4 mins (700W), 3.5 mins (800W), 3 mins (900W).
20. Mix it well again.
21. Cook again, uncovered, for 4 mins (700W), 3.5 mins (800W), 3 mins (900W).
22. Now cover the bowl (clingfilm if no lid) and cook for 4 mins (700W), 3.5 mins (800W), 3 mins (900W).
23. Remove from the microwave and add the Goji berries and the peas. Fork them in.
24. Re-cover the bowl and let it stand for 10 minutes.
25. Fluff the pilau rice up with a fork and serve with the curry.
Gupareet Bains website is at www.gupareetbains.co.uk Please take a look - he has some amazing ideas.
After a lot of reading bits here and there, I found an article in the Telegraph talking about an Anglo Indian chef who was fanatical about finding the perfect curry - a superfood - superspice curry.
My interest was piqued !
Gurpareet Bains is an English born Anglo Indian cook and nutritional therapist, who has an incredible passion for what he is interested in - and it happens to be extremely healthy food which tastes incredible !
He has developed - designed - invented - whatever you want to call it - The Ultimate Cancer Fighting Curry - which also happens to be incredibly healthy in many other respects.
It is in fact a chicken and blueberry curry, with goji berry pilau rice. Gurpareet says that it can help fight off carcinogenic cells. But it also contains many traditional ingredients like ginger, turmeric, chilli and garlic, which are all in their own right a superfood. And all are antiviral and antibacterial.
Every portion of this incredible curry contains the same nutrition as 49 helpings of spinach, 23 bunches of grapes or 9 helpings of broccoli. The article explains that experts have agreed that it contains up to 20 times as much nutrition as any specially formulated 'healthy' meal.
Gurpareet says that you need only eat this once a week to help deal with the prevention of cancers and many other illnesses such as Alzheimers.
So - what is in this incredible meal ?
I emailed Gurpareet and asked him if he would mind if I included his recipe on my blog. His reply was enthusiastic and he was kind enough to agree.
So here it is...
Chicken Curry with Blueberries & Goji Berry Pilau Rice
(serves 4)
20g chopped Coriander
200g fresh or frozen Blueberries
2 tablespoons freshly grated Ginger
Sea Salt
500g low fat Greek Yogurt
4 cloves Garlic - chopped
5 tablespoons extra virgin Olive Oil
2 teaspoons ground Turmeric
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon Chilli powder
500g uncooked Chicken breast
1 teaspoon Garam Masala
Fresh Coriander leaves
2 teaspoons Cumin seeds
1 small Onion - sliced
1 Carrot - grated
1 & 3/4 cups of Water
1 cup Basmati Rice
50g Goji Berries
Handful of peas (fresh or frozen)
The Curry
1. Blend 20g of chopped coriander, the blueberries, the grated ginger and 3/4 of a teaspoon of salt with the low fat Greek yogurt. Once well blended put this to one side.
2. Put the chopped fresh garlic into a saucepan with 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Heat on a low-medium heat until the garlic starts to brown. Just 1 or 2 minutes.
3. Add 1 teaspoon of turmeric and mix it in well. Heat for 20 seconds.
4. Mix in the ground cinnamon and the chilli powder. Cook this for another 20 seconds.
5. Add 500g of uncooked chicken breast meat, which has been cut into bite sized pieces.
6. Seal the meat, stirring frequently. This should take no more than 5 minutes.
7. Next slowly pour the yogurt mixture (that you prepared above) into the saucepan with the meat.
8. Bring this to a simmer on a low heat.
9. Simmer for 10 minutes. Do not cover. Stir it from time to time.
10. Then stir through the Garam Masala.
11. The curry is made. Garnish with some fresh coriander leaves.
The Rice
12. Place the cumin seeds and 2 tablespoons of olive oil into a saucepan.
13. Heat on a low to medium heat until the seeds begin to pop. This should take no more than 3 minutes.
14. Add the sliced onion and cook until it is soft.
15. Add 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder. Stir it in and heat for 20 seconds.
16. Add the grated carrot and cook for 2 minutes.
17. Boil 1 and 3/4 cups of water.
18. Place the onion mixture, 1 cup of basmati rice, 1/2 teaspoon of salt and the boiling water into a large microwavable bowl. Mix well with a fork.
19. Cook, uncovered, in the microwave for 4 mins (700W), 3.5 mins (800W), 3 mins (900W).
20. Mix it well again.
21. Cook again, uncovered, for 4 mins (700W), 3.5 mins (800W), 3 mins (900W).
22. Now cover the bowl (clingfilm if no lid) and cook for 4 mins (700W), 3.5 mins (800W), 3 mins (900W).
23. Remove from the microwave and add the Goji berries and the peas. Fork them in.
24. Re-cover the bowl and let it stand for 10 minutes.
25. Fluff the pilau rice up with a fork and serve with the curry.
Gupareet Bains website is at www.gupareetbains.co.uk Please take a look - he has some amazing ideas.
Monday, 21 September 2009
Pelargonium For Colds, Sore Throats etc
With Autumn here and Winter just around the corner (for those of us in the northern hemisphere anyway), I thought it might be useful, and maybe even interesting, to occasionally share a few remedies and ideas that help boost the immune system and therefore fend off those colds, coughs and yukky phlegm ridden noses and throats...
I'm sure almost all who will read this will have heard of Pelargoniums, or maybe not... They are a flower from South Africa which is part of the Geranium family.
Many of us dutifully stuff them in our hanging baskets and window boxes every summer... for me its a sweet reminder of a couple summers in Greece.
Pelargoniums have been used by the Zulus, Basutos, Mfengi, and Xhosa people in South Africa for a very long time. They use the plant for many upper respiratory tract infections, as well as the milder problem of a cough and other things, including gastrointestinal problems.
The South African word for Pelargonium is Umckaloabo, which is the Zulu word for a heavy cough...
In the 1890s Charles Stevens, from England, went to South Africa looking for a cure for tuberculosis. He found it through a tribal healer with the Basuto tribe, and returned to England cured. He also returned with the cure, which was very popular for a while, until synthetic drug cures were devised, and then it was suddenly forgotten.
More recently research has become interested in the plant again, and research is being conducted into its use as an alternative to antibiotics when treating upper respiratory infections, like colds, coughs, sinusitis, sore throats and even bronchitis.
What is actually used in the alternative to antibiotic remedies is Pelargonium sidoides. The extract is taken from the roots.
The best way to take Pelargonium is to use the extract or tablets as soon as you feel a cold or a sore throat starting. Use about 30 drops 3 times a day of the extract, but do not use it for more than 2 weeks. Do not use while you are pregnant or breastfeeding, not if you are on Warfarin. Apart from that it is safe with other remedies and drugs.
A home remedy for allergies in some people, is to make a tea from Pelargonium leaves...
Pelargonium Tea (for allergies)
5 or 6 fresh Pelargonium leaves
Water
1. Put the leaves into a teacup of just boiled water and steep for 20 minutes.
2. Drink straight after the 20 minutes, and sweeten with honey if you prefer. Clover honey goes very nice in this.
3. Make and drink this 3 times a day while symptoms persist.
Sometimes it takes a while to work, and it doesn't work for all allergies for all people.
I'm sure almost all who will read this will have heard of Pelargoniums, or maybe not... They are a flower from South Africa which is part of the Geranium family.
Many of us dutifully stuff them in our hanging baskets and window boxes every summer... for me its a sweet reminder of a couple summers in Greece.
Pelargoniums have been used by the Zulus, Basutos, Mfengi, and Xhosa people in South Africa for a very long time. They use the plant for many upper respiratory tract infections, as well as the milder problem of a cough and other things, including gastrointestinal problems.
The South African word for Pelargonium is Umckaloabo, which is the Zulu word for a heavy cough...
In the 1890s Charles Stevens, from England, went to South Africa looking for a cure for tuberculosis. He found it through a tribal healer with the Basuto tribe, and returned to England cured. He also returned with the cure, which was very popular for a while, until synthetic drug cures were devised, and then it was suddenly forgotten.
More recently research has become interested in the plant again, and research is being conducted into its use as an alternative to antibiotics when treating upper respiratory infections, like colds, coughs, sinusitis, sore throats and even bronchitis.
What is actually used in the alternative to antibiotic remedies is Pelargonium sidoides. The extract is taken from the roots.
The best way to take Pelargonium is to use the extract or tablets as soon as you feel a cold or a sore throat starting. Use about 30 drops 3 times a day of the extract, but do not use it for more than 2 weeks. Do not use while you are pregnant or breastfeeding, not if you are on Warfarin. Apart from that it is safe with other remedies and drugs.
A home remedy for allergies in some people, is to make a tea from Pelargonium leaves...
Pelargonium Tea (for allergies)
5 or 6 fresh Pelargonium leaves
Water
1. Put the leaves into a teacup of just boiled water and steep for 20 minutes.
2. Drink straight after the 20 minutes, and sweeten with honey if you prefer. Clover honey goes very nice in this.
3. Make and drink this 3 times a day while symptoms persist.
Sometimes it takes a while to work, and it doesn't work for all allergies for all people.
Sunday, 13 September 2009
Blackberry Leaves - Teas & Decoctions
The skill of maintaining and balancing our own health appears to have mostly become a lost art in modern society.
Over the coming months I will try and share some of my bits and pieces with you, and hopefully some people will find them interesting and useful, and maybe even save some pennies rather than buy expensive potions from the chemist !
Today I was strimming away some overgrown blackberry brambles, which had started to invade the area where I have raspberries growing. It reminded me to gather some young blackberry shoots and young leaves before Autumn arrives.
Blackberry leaves are a very ancient remedy for several complaints. They are full of tannins and vitamin C. You can drink them daily and they have no side effects. However, a short break after a week of heavy use is advisable.
Uses
A tea made with blackberry leaves can help ease diarrhea (good for gastrointestinal flu with diarrhea and tummy cramps). It can ease heavy periods in women.
Use the tea as a gargle for inflamed gums and throat, and for minor sore throats.
You can make a compress of the blackberry leaves (or soak a cloth in the blackberry leaf tea liquid and place on the area) to soothe inflamed skin rashes. Leave it on for 30 minutes, covered with plastic or cling film (saran wrap in the US?) to keep the heat etc in.
Varicose veins and eczema can also benefit from the compress.
The vitamin C in the blackberry tea strengthens the immune system and promotes tissue repair.
Blackberry Leaf Tea
(a mild, general use tea)
Pour a cup of boiling water onto 2 teaspoonfuls of dried blackberry leaves.
Leave to steep (soak) for 10 minutes.
Strain and drink.
Blackberry Leaf Decoction
(for a stronger medicinal effect)
Boil 3 or 4 heaped tablespoons of the dried blackberry leaves in 2 pints of water. Keep boiling until about half the water has boiled off (evaporated).
Drink 2 or 3 small cupfuls a day.
Making a decoction (rather than a tea) releases more of the tannins from the leaves, making it stronger.
Both are rather an acquired taste (in my mind) and I personally add various honeys to the tea to make it sweeter. Clover honey is one of my favs.
Drying Blackberry Leaves
Pick the young and tender green leaves and shoots.
Dry them thoroughly in a dark place for at least 5 days, or a lot longer if you have the space.
Store in a dark, airtight container. You may need to aerate the container now and them to avoid mould. However, if you dry them longer and totally, this shouldn't be needed.
Over the coming months I will try and share some of my bits and pieces with you, and hopefully some people will find them interesting and useful, and maybe even save some pennies rather than buy expensive potions from the chemist !
Today I was strimming away some overgrown blackberry brambles, which had started to invade the area where I have raspberries growing. It reminded me to gather some young blackberry shoots and young leaves before Autumn arrives.
Blackberry leaves are a very ancient remedy for several complaints. They are full of tannins and vitamin C. You can drink them daily and they have no side effects. However, a short break after a week of heavy use is advisable.
Uses
A tea made with blackberry leaves can help ease diarrhea (good for gastrointestinal flu with diarrhea and tummy cramps). It can ease heavy periods in women.
Use the tea as a gargle for inflamed gums and throat, and for minor sore throats.
You can make a compress of the blackberry leaves (or soak a cloth in the blackberry leaf tea liquid and place on the area) to soothe inflamed skin rashes. Leave it on for 30 minutes, covered with plastic or cling film (saran wrap in the US?) to keep the heat etc in.
Varicose veins and eczema can also benefit from the compress.
The vitamin C in the blackberry tea strengthens the immune system and promotes tissue repair.
Blackberry Leaf Tea
(a mild, general use tea)
Pour a cup of boiling water onto 2 teaspoonfuls of dried blackberry leaves.
Leave to steep (soak) for 10 minutes.
Strain and drink.
Blackberry Leaf Decoction
(for a stronger medicinal effect)
Boil 3 or 4 heaped tablespoons of the dried blackberry leaves in 2 pints of water. Keep boiling until about half the water has boiled off (evaporated).
Drink 2 or 3 small cupfuls a day.
Making a decoction (rather than a tea) releases more of the tannins from the leaves, making it stronger.
Both are rather an acquired taste (in my mind) and I personally add various honeys to the tea to make it sweeter. Clover honey is one of my favs.
Drying Blackberry Leaves
Pick the young and tender green leaves and shoots.
Dry them thoroughly in a dark place for at least 5 days, or a lot longer if you have the space.
Store in a dark, airtight container. You may need to aerate the container now and them to avoid mould. However, if you dry them longer and totally, this shouldn't be needed.
Thursday, 10 September 2009
The Elder Bush - Some Age Old Remedies
It has always been know that the Elder is a very special tree (well a large shrub really). It has been used for medicinal and magical purposes since people became aware of such things.
The delicate cream Elderflowers appear in May and the dark red, almost black, berries come in early and mid September. Both are incredibly useful for not only food, but for home remedies and preventatives.
Feeling of Sickness - Use the small green new shoots to make a tea.
Mild Inflammation - The green leaves made into a tea, or a poultice for a particular area.
Winter Colds - A glass of Elderberry & Clove cordial every day will greatly help to keep away those dreaded winter colds.
Wind in Stomach - Use the dried flowers to make a tea. Alternatively, use Elderflower cordial (made in the spring) as a less strong remedy (beautiful as a drink for pure pleasure even when you aren't feeling ill).
Sore Throats & Mouths - Gargle with a strong tea made from the fresh or dried Elderberries. Alternatively gargle with some neat Elderberry Cordial.
I will be adding many future posts on basic home remedies from nature which have been used for hundreds of years, some thousands.
The delicate cream Elderflowers appear in May and the dark red, almost black, berries come in early and mid September. Both are incredibly useful for not only food, but for home remedies and preventatives.
Feeling of Sickness - Use the small green new shoots to make a tea.
Mild Inflammation - The green leaves made into a tea, or a poultice for a particular area.
Winter Colds - A glass of Elderberry & Clove cordial every day will greatly help to keep away those dreaded winter colds.
Wind in Stomach - Use the dried flowers to make a tea. Alternatively, use Elderflower cordial (made in the spring) as a less strong remedy (beautiful as a drink for pure pleasure even when you aren't feeling ill).
Sore Throats & Mouths - Gargle with a strong tea made from the fresh or dried Elderberries. Alternatively gargle with some neat Elderberry Cordial.
I will be adding many future posts on basic home remedies from nature which have been used for hundreds of years, some thousands.
Monday, 17 August 2009
Blackberry Cordial and Sunshine !
At last the sun is shining ! Well it did until 5pm, now there are those rather ominous grey puffy jobs floating around above me and threatening to stop me playing in the garden (weeding and strimming).
Free Food
I am going out in a few minutes to pick my first blackberries of the year (assuming it doesn't rain). I have a load growing under one of the bird tables, as well as the millions in the hedges around the place, and it's a race to beat the birds to them ! I will be making some blackberry jam and some blackberry cordial with this batch MMMM.
Blackberry cordial (along with elderberry cordial) is an age old remedy for warding off colds etc through the winter. I always make a few batches and have a warm glass of it every evening through the cold months, and touch wood, rarely get a cold.
I'll post my recipe for blackberry jam tomorrow, but for now here is how I make blackberry cordial...
Blackberry Cordial Recipe
Blackberries
Whole Allspice
Whole Cloves
1 piece of stick Cinnamon
Granulated Sugar
Water
1. Pick the fruit on a dry day and stew in a large stainless steel saucepan, with just enough water to cover.
2. Strain through muslin, squeezing to get all the juice.
3. To each pint of juice add 1 lb of white granulated sugar and 10 cloves. Add the allspice and cinnamon in a muslin bag at this point also.
4. Boil for 10 minutes.
5. Allow to cool just a bit and remove the muslin bag.
6. Whilst still hot, bottle in sterile glass bottles with good quality screw-on tops, making sure you distribute the cloves evenly amongst the bottles (they act as a preservative). I use recycled bottles from a friend's bar and clean them well. Bottling & sealing whilst hot creates a vacuum and helps the cordial to last longer.
The cordial can be used immediately, but will also keep well for a year or two. It's used diluted 1 part cordial to 5-7 parts water, depending on your taste. It's also great when added to vodka or rum...
Taken with hot water it is renowned as a guard against colds, and a glass a day through winter is a very effective precaution.
Free Food
I am going out in a few minutes to pick my first blackberries of the year (assuming it doesn't rain). I have a load growing under one of the bird tables, as well as the millions in the hedges around the place, and it's a race to beat the birds to them ! I will be making some blackberry jam and some blackberry cordial with this batch MMMM.
Blackberry cordial (along with elderberry cordial) is an age old remedy for warding off colds etc through the winter. I always make a few batches and have a warm glass of it every evening through the cold months, and touch wood, rarely get a cold.
I'll post my recipe for blackberry jam tomorrow, but for now here is how I make blackberry cordial...
Blackberry Cordial Recipe
Blackberries
Whole Allspice
Whole Cloves
1 piece of stick Cinnamon
Granulated Sugar
Water
1. Pick the fruit on a dry day and stew in a large stainless steel saucepan, with just enough water to cover.
2. Strain through muslin, squeezing to get all the juice.
3. To each pint of juice add 1 lb of white granulated sugar and 10 cloves. Add the allspice and cinnamon in a muslin bag at this point also.
4. Boil for 10 minutes.
5. Allow to cool just a bit and remove the muslin bag.
6. Whilst still hot, bottle in sterile glass bottles with good quality screw-on tops, making sure you distribute the cloves evenly amongst the bottles (they act as a preservative). I use recycled bottles from a friend's bar and clean them well. Bottling & sealing whilst hot creates a vacuum and helps the cordial to last longer.
The cordial can be used immediately, but will also keep well for a year or two. It's used diluted 1 part cordial to 5-7 parts water, depending on your taste. It's also great when added to vodka or rum...
Taken with hot water it is renowned as a guard against colds, and a glass a day through winter is a very effective precaution.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)