Elderberry

Sureau

What it is

The tree gives twice a year and in two registers — a heady white flower in June that perfumes cordials, and a dark, almost medicinal berry in September. Folklore forbade cutting the wood without asking the tree's permission first.

In the kitchen

The raw berries are mildly toxic and must be cooked. Strip them from the stalks with a fork — the stems are the worst part.

Goes with

Apple Lemon Honey Cinnamon Clove Blackberry Vanilla Ginger

Same species

Elderflower

Also used with

Gooseberry

In season alongside

Blackcurrant Blackberry Cornelian cherry Bergeron apricot Lingonberry Apricot

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