Hans Christian Andersen gives us this story of “The Little Elder Mother”. Elderberry is not the herb most closely associated with remembrance, but I like this tale of our Noble Interest as a kindly Bringer of warmth, Teller of tales, and Healer of discomforts, all achieved with a cup of tea. I find the theme of the eternal cycle of life… Continue Reading…
In his book, Trees, A Woodland Notebook, the Right Hon. Sir Herbert Maxwell points out that many places in Great Britain are named after the elder. This suggests that elder was both common and noticed.Elder has always been considered to be female and, like many other female spirits and deities, has been believed to have two sides to her personality. In… Continue Reading…
Elderberry has been well-known and highly respected throughout much of recorded history. Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, called it his “medicine chest”. Galen agreed with him.
Elderberry has long been as comfortable in the kitchen as it is in the stillroom. It is versatile enough that there is a recipe for every palate.From Apicius; [135] ELDERBERRY CUSTARD OR PIE PATINA DE SAMBUCO [1]A DISH OF ELDERBERRIES, EITHER HOT OR COLD, IS MADE IN THIS MANNER [2] TAKEELDERBERRIES [3] WASH THEM; COOK IN WATER, SKIM AND STRAIN. PREPARE… Continue Reading…
A deciduous shrub native to both Europe and North America with an enthusiastic growing habit and a rangy appearance, elderberry has graced our gardens and tables since ancient days. Most varieties are hardy to Zone 4, with a few being hardy to Zone 3. Cornell University offers this excellent information on the growing requirements of elderberries..
I spent summers on my Grandfather’s farm. Little Pipe Creek flowed through the middle of it and when I was ten, the banks of the creek were covered in elderberry bushes. The good lady he had purchased the farm from came back every year to gather the fruits when they were ripe and always brought back a few jars of jelly… Continue Reading…
