Hike and forage

When the sun is out and sky clear, we drop everything and get out for a walk, to enjoy such beautiful weather. Found on the map a walk around a section of the lake and off we go.

 

rose hip

sloe

next to lake walk

Water view is always good, what is a great find is the long hedge next to the path, full of bushes with berries, blackberry, elderberry, rose hip, hawthorn and sloe. Being very close to water, the berries are bigger than elsewhere. It is great that we always hike with bags in the pocket!

 

hawthorn syrup

hawthorn

elderberry

honey fermenting sloe

sloe

1. Elderberry is mixed with honey to be fermented into syrup.

2. Testing to use the same method to soften sloe, basically mix with honey and some boiled water to cover, ferment for a few days to soften the fruit, than remove stones and turn into sloe jam, a rich tart and sweet jam.

3. Hawthorn is cooked in water to soften, sieved out stone and skin, to get the rosy paste, season with sugar to make syrup, for the heart healthy
benefits.