We usually don’t have enough elderberries to offer to all the CSA members, but this year we had a bumper crop, so you can make elderberry tea, syrup, desserts and other things, like Elderberry Dark Chocolate Muffines — see recipe in the Food Notes below.

In Your CSA

Sweet Peppers — Not just bell peppers, but Italian sweets, and other varieties of sweet pepper.
Edamame - These are a great quick and easy, nutritious and delicious snack any time. Just boil in salted water for about 5 minutes, then cool slightly and squeeze the pods to pop the beans right into your mouth.

Tomatoes

Basil
Greens Mix - This will be a mix of baby greens including choi, turnip greens, radish greens, and/or amaranth greens. Simply saute, braise, or stir-fry — maybe with a little soy sauce and sesame oil — then serve over rice, pasta, or whatever you like.
One Other Item, which could be anything from Onions or Okra, to Cucumbers or Melons . . . depending on how much of each Henry is able to harvest tomorrow.

Food Notes: Elderberries

For lots of great Elderberry information, including step-by-step instructions for cooking them, check out our friend Bill Davison’s substack post, An Elderberry Elixir.

Elderberry syrup has been used medicinally for many centuries, and is said to have many health benefits. That makes sense since the berries are packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and many other immune-boosting phytochemicals.

Please note that elderberries MUST be cooked, so make a sauce or syrup and then use as a tea or jelly, or add to your smoothie, or make Sambuca or Elderberry Wine!

This recipe comes from The Woodland Trust in England, but you can easily translate the weight measurements via Google or AI.

Elderberry and Dark Chocolate Muffins (Vegan)

The recipe’s author says, “the tangy tartness of elderberries pairs perfectly with the bitter edge of dark chocolate and delicate sweetness of vanilla . . . . Enjoy them with a brew, as a dessert or even for breakfast.

Ingredients

150g elderberries
300g flour
200g ground almonds
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
250ml almond milk
200ml maple syrup
4 tablespoons melted coconut oil
80g dark chocolate, roughly chopped
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or one pod)

Method

Preheat the oven to 180C fan (gas mark 4). Line a 12-hole muffin tray with muffin cases.
Add the flour, ground almonds, baking powder and bicarbonate of soda to a large mixing bowl and stir together until well combined, with no lumps.
Pour in the almond milk, maple syrup, melted coconut oil and vanilla extract. Mix well until the batter is thick and smooth.
Once thickened, gently stir through the elderberries and dark chocolate pieces.
Divide the mixture evenly between the muffin cases and bake at 325 for 25 – 30 minutes until golden, risen and cooked through. Test the muffins by inserting a skewer or knife into the middle – if it doesn’t come out clean, pop the muffins back in the oven for 5 – 10 minutes.
Once cooked, remove the muffins from the oven and leave to cool completely.

Mark your Calendars for Henry’s Annual Farm Tour and Festivities!

Saturday, Oct. 11

Keep an eye on this page, where more details will be forthcoming!

CSA #14 (8/26/2025)