Elderberry refers to the fruit of the elder tree (European elder or black elder), a flowering shrub native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. For centuries, elderberry has been an important botanical in European cookery and folklore.
Key Attributes and Uses:
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Nutrient Profile: Elderberries are a highly nutritious fruit, rich in Vitamin C (52.2 milligrams per cup) and dietary fiber (10.2 grams per cup). They also contain Vitamin A and B-vitamins, and antioxidants like flavonoids and anthocyanins.
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Flavor Profile: The fruit offers a tangy, bitter-sweet flavor, which has been used to produce wines, cordials, and syrups, as well as jams, sauces, and flavored vinegars.
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Traditional Wellness: Elderberry juice and syrup are typically consumed at the first indication of a cold or the flu.
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Forms: The dried fruit is available as a dark purple powder or as whole, dark purple to black berries. Both forms are suitable for making tea blends.
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Safety Note: While the flowers and berries are used, the leaves and stems of the elder tree are toxic.
Storage:
Store in a sealed container in a cool, dark place.
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