Elderberries are ready for picking in early autumn.

They are not grown commercially, but are easily found growing in the wild, even in urban areas.

Pick the heads of the berries and be sure to wash them thoroughly before using.

Elderberries are a well-known and popular choice for homemade wine, cordial or syrup and their flavour also combines well with blackberries to make sauces or syrup for fools, ice creams and sorbets.

Apple pie is delicious sweetened with elderberry and even duck and pork are complemented by its flavour.