Fruits of the Season - Berries

One of my favorite summer activities as a child was picking berries. My mom and I would gather wild black raspberries, and my pap-pap grew blueberries and red raspberries. I would eat almost as many as I put in my bucket! Berries of all types are all the rage these days. Blueberries, acai berries, and cranberries are being touted as super foods. Berries are not only delicious, but also traditional foods for Lughnasadh.

I love blueberries and red raspberries. In late summer, my hands, mouth and clothes were often stained purple from Pap-pap's blueberries. They've been used in muffins and pancakes for years, and in recent years have been added to teas and blended with pomegranate juice for an antioxidant-rich treat.

Before we get to the recipe I want to share with you, I will share some of Scott Cunningham's information on the blueberry.

Blueberry

Planet: Moon
Element: Water
Energies: Protection

Blueberries can be used to enhance our magical defense system. The color blue has long been used as a protection against the evil eye and other harm. Baby boys are dressed in blue to protect them, and blue eye charms are seen everywhere in Turkey.

In this recipe, blueberries are mixed with lemons, another moon-ruled, water fruit.


Blueberry Lemonade

This recipe begins with a berry- and lemon-infused simple syrup.

You will need:

1 1/2 pints blueberries, washed (raspberries or strawberries can also be used for this recipe)

2 cups sugar

1 cup water

5-6 lemons + zest of 2-3 of the lemons

Using a peeler, remove the zest from the lemons in long strips.

In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the sugar and stir to dissolve, then add the berries and strips of lemon zest. Allow the sugar to dissolve and simmer the fruit for about 5 minutes. Allow to cool for a few minutes. Discard the zest.

Place a mesh strainer over the mouth of a pitcher or jug. Pour the berry syrup into the strainer, mashing the berries against the mesh with a spoon or spatula.

Using a juicer or a reamer, extract the juice from the lemons and add to the syrup. Stir to combine. Dilute the mixture with 3-4 cups of cold water, depending on how strong you want the drink. Taste for sweetness and tartness and add more lemon juice or sweetener if needed.

Chill before serving. Serve with ice and slices of lemon or more strips of lemon zest.