I wanted to do something different with the blackberries I’d picked from the hedgerows this year and was rather intrigued when I came across a recipe for Blackberry Syrup, an old-fashioned remedy for coughs and colds.
I altered the recipe slightly before whipping up a bottle of the stuff. I’m now setting myself the challenge of getting through the winter season without reaching for my usual aspirin-laden cold relief!
The syrup combines blackberries, which are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, with white wine vinegar and honey, both known for their antibacterial and antiviral properties. I’m a big believer in feeding yourself healthy, of eating the right things to counter any ailment or imbalance, so I’ll be interested to see if this curious concoction with all its health-boosting ingredients, manages to banish the inevitable sniffles this winter.
I’ll keep you posted!
BLACKBERRY SYRUP
450 g blackberries
280 ml white wine vinegar
225 g sugar
115 g honey
Place the blackberries in a bowl (glass or china preferably, to avoid staining) and pour the vinegar over. Leave to stand for at least 24 hours, stirring and pressing the berries regularly.
Strain the mixture through muslin, squeezing out as much juice as you can, into a saucepan.
Bring to the boil.
Add the sugar, stirring constantly to ensure it all dissolves, and then add the honey, continuing to stir well.
Bring to a hard boil for 5 minutes before leaving to cool.
Store in a bottle or in ice-cube trays in the freezer.
Add 1-2 tablespoons to a glass of hot water before bed.
(Click here for a print-friendly version. Adapted from the Blackberry Syrup recipe included in this collection.)
AGENTS OF FIELD 
Sounds a bit healthy to me! I’ve been pouring our blackberry vinegar over ice cream…
LikeLiked by 1 person
But of course! Bring out the ice-cream when there’s a high fever along with the coughs and colds. Best medicine there is! 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
It works for me!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Could do with some of that today. Blackberries not ready here in Scotland (where they are brambles anyway). Any we pick end up in puddings or jam. Maybe I should try some of last year’s jam to blast this cold away.
LikeLiked by 2 people
They are brambles where I come from, too!
LikeLike
Yes! Fight the cold with jam! On freshly baked scones with clotted cream! Should do the trick! Feel better soon 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
My own blackberry bush isn’t going to produce anything this year but it’s a good reason to go foraging!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I really like this recipe. We call these berries bear berries. Thanks for the tip.
Honey
LikeLiked by 1 person
bear berries.. how lovely!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This sounds good whether it’s effective or not. I just made a different blackberry syrup that has star anise in it. Very interesting combination.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ooh… that sounds nice!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Am happy to give it a try 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely share
Going to share and subscribe
LikeLiked by 1 person
I made elderberry syrup yesterday, apparently that is full of vitamin C and good for colds as well. Looking forward to trying it!
LikeLike
Hmmm…. delicious elderberries… let me know how it turns out!
LikeLike
How long will this keep ?
LikeLike
I was still drinking this batch last year, so two years after I made it. The sugar and vinegar keep it well preserved!
LikeLike