Sweet Berry Cough Mixture

Make this cough remedy in the autumn while the berries are fresh, then keep it in the refrigerator ready to soothe coughs and colds when winter comes. Make more using frozen berries if you run out. Take one or two teaspoonfuls as needed.

Preparation and cooking time: 45 minutes, plus straining | Calories per 100ml/3½fl oz/scant ½ cup: 109

Makes about 750ml/26fl oz/3¼ cups

200g/7oz blackcurrants rinsed, and stalks removed

200g/7oz blackberries, rinsed

200g/7oz elderberries, rinsed and stalks removed

2 tbsp red wine vinegar

200ml/7fl oz/scant 1 cup clear honey or syrup

1 tbsp liquorice powder

5 star anise

Put the berries in a heavy saucepan. Add the vinegar and 1 tablespoon of water and bring to the boil, stirring from time to time. Cover and leave to simmer gently for 15 minutes until the berries have disintegrated and released their juices.

Strain the pulp into a container through a filter or sieve/strainer lined with muslin/ cheesecloth and pour the juice back into the pan. Add the honey, liquorice powder and star anise, then bring the mixture back to the boil, stirring occasionally. Turn the heat down to low and leave to simmer for 5 minutes (but be careful not to let it boil over, it is very sticky to clean up). Strain again and immediately pour into a warm, sterilized bottle (see page 182). Seal and leave to cool, shaking from time to time. Store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.

NUTRITION PROFILE (per portion)

5% protein, 5% fat, 82% carbohydrate, 8% fibre

VITAMINS AND MINERALS (percentage of RDA)

Vitamin C 68%, potassium 12%, iron 20%

HEALTH BENEFITS

Rich in vitamin C and iron | healing and soothing | antiviral, antibacterial and gentle laxative