English Blackberry Cordial (from Healing Drinks)
The hedgerows are bursting with ripening blackberries and elderberries so we will be sharing a few seasonal recipes to harness these (free!) wonder berries.
This sweet spicy cordial is delicious enough to be loved by children and helps the body to fight infection and to throw off fevers at the same time. Blackberries are packed with vitamin C and bioflavonoids, they have a decongestant action and clear toxins from the body through their laxative and diuretic effects. The spices increase sweating by stimulating the circulation and have powerful anti-microbial properties.
Ingredients:
900g (2lb) ripe blackberries (or enough to produce 600ml/1 pint of juice)
6 tablespoons of runny honey
10 cloves
5 slices fresh root ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
How to make:
Press the ripe, raw blackberries through a sieve to obtain the juice. Place the juice in a pan and add the honey and spices.
Bring to a boil over a low heat, stirring until the honey has dissolved. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Leave to cool and store in a cool place away from light.
How to use:
Drink diluted to taste with hot water. Drink a cupful every 2 hours as needed.
