Selfsufficientish.com

Hi

First post, so hope this is the right place and there isn't some form of general questions thread. Just wondered if anyopne knew if there was anything that looks a lot like a rowan berry but isn't? I'm pretty sure what I've got are rowans, judging by the leaves (structure and serrated) and the berries (with the "cross") but wanted to make sure there couldn't be some dangerous berry trying to fool me!

Cheers
Bob

Hi and welcome and you've posted in the right place!

Is it possible to post a photo for ID purposes?

Hmmm, possibly. Not technological. Have some on my phone but I've since found other trees closer to me that I didn't photo and it's probably these I would use.

Thanks for the quick response. Oh, also, other than maybe crab apples is there anything else that would add a bit of pectin to help a jelly set?

Citrus rind and pith contains more pectin than most other things (between 20 and 30 times more than apples). Just remember to take it out before you stick everything in jars.

Mike

Cheers. I reckon a litle orange zezt might be quite nice.

Well, made the jelly and it tastes pretty good. Used a few elderberries and a couple of apples from the neighbour. I think I either under or over boiled it though as the texture is not quite right but overall I'm pretty pleased. Would recommend for anyone who's not tried it.

Glad you are pleased with it! If it is a bit rubbery then that's usually the result of overcooking but sometimes it is so hard to judge when it is just right (even with a jam thermometer and doing the saucer test!).

Yes, i suspected that, thanks for confirming, it's sort of rubbery, gloopy but set. Every time i did the saucer test it seemed not to be ready so i erred on caution, not realising yuou could overdo it. I'll know for next time, cheers.