In our project, we set out to collect and store the treasures of our environment by walking in nature, observing and learning from its wonders. This is what we did one afternoon when we set off for Szeged-Szentmihály with the aim of collecting elderberries on the banks of the backwater Tisza. On our adventure there, we met a friend who invited us into his garden, home to 14 hives and 4 swarms of bees, and the beekeeper introduced us to the workings of the industrious insect society. After an exciting impromptu demonstration, we filled our crates with precious elderberries. Back at the Community Centre, we soaked our harvest in the right amount of water so that the rest of the team could prepare the essence of summer the next day.
The next day, another group of people gathered to make the syrup in the pre-disinfected jars. With the addition of brown sugar, the end result was a beautiful caramel-coloured syrup, which we immediately tasted. Its luscious flavour will stay with us for a long time to come, reminding us of the circumstances of its preparation and the joy of being together.
Gyöngyi Novák – Szeged 3 mentor
