The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Growing => Identification => Topic started by: laurelrus on August 29, 2016, 05:12:41 pm

Title: What is this berry?
Post by: laurelrus on August 29, 2016, 05:12:41 pm
Is this an edible berry? It's growing alongside blackberries in our hedges.  Thanks in advance
Title: Re: What is this berry?
Post by: waterbuffalofarmer on August 29, 2016, 05:33:55 pm
It looks like either chokeberries or elderberries, which are indeed very edible. One big question in case it isn't, is it from a tree or just a hedge?
Title: Re: What is this berry?
Post by: laurelrus on August 29, 2016, 05:43:44 pm
I'm pretty sure it's a  hedge, Waterbuffalofarmer
There's a very overgrown hedge, I  think it's   been ignored for years, and there are blackberries and these growing along with a load of thorns and prickles!
Title: Re: What is this berry?
Post by: Rhea on August 29, 2016, 06:13:09 pm
In an overgrown hedge, I'd guess elderberry. Did you notice any flowers earlier in the year?
Title: Re: What is this berry?
Post by: pgkevet on August 29, 2016, 06:50:12 pm
Looks like elderberries.. very obvious bark and branches on those.. a paler, greyer colour, quite brittle and ridged bark.
Title: Re: What is this berry?
Post by: BrimwoodFarm on August 29, 2016, 06:50:31 pm
If I saw that I'd pick it and make it into elderberry cordial. Leave shape and flower stem structure is right too, so pretty sure elderberry.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What is this berry?
Post by: Womble on August 29, 2016, 07:22:40 pm
Cordial!?! That's a bit of a waste isn't it  :-J ?
Title: Re: What is this berry?
Post by: Sbom on August 30, 2016, 08:41:47 am
Defo elderberries, makes yummy jelly jam.....or wine?
Title: Re: What is this berry?
Post by: BrimwoodFarm on August 31, 2016, 05:10:52 pm
Cordial!?! That's a bit of a waste isn't it  :-J ?

Haha. Yes, total waste. Bring on the fermentation process.... ;)
Title: Re: What is this berry?
Post by: DenisCooper on September 03, 2016, 07:09:09 pm
well thats saves me a job posting the same question....i thought they were elderberries but wasn't sure...

I'm having a cider making weekend in a few weeks.

when the berries are like this (as in the photo) are they ready to be picked to make into elderflower cordial / wine?

if so any good tips for making some, and i'll do it at the same time as my cider making weekend :)
Title: Re: What is this berry?
Post by: SallyintNorth on September 03, 2016, 08:18:01 pm
I'd say these are not quite ripe yet. When they fall off readily - I use a fork behind them - they're ready.