Elderberries are said to increase immunity, fight colds, flu, and sore throats. They they are a rich source of bioflavonoids and antioxidants as well as the nutrients potassium, beta carotene, calcium, phosphorus and vitamin C.
For these recipes, you'll need a source of elderberries, orSambucus nigrans. If you don't have fresh elderberries, you can purchase dried berries from places that sell herbs, either online or locally. But ask around because many folks have bushes of elderberries growing in their yard that they don't use! Just please be sure you positively identify the bush as an actual elderberry bush.
Elderberry Jelly
Photo © Lauren Ware
This jelly is easy to make and tastes delicious. Open up a jar in midwinter and the bright ruby color will wake up your senses. It's great spread on toast, bagels or crackers. And you can feel like the antioxidant, antiviral properties of the elderberries make up at least partly for the sugar content! This recipe requires a water-bath canner, or you can make a smaller amount and refrigerate it -- it will last at least a few weeks in the fridge if not a month or two.
Remember to make sure when you source your elderberries that you are getting genuine Sambucus nigrans. And elderberries are toxic if eaten raw, so please follow these recipes carefully!
Elderberry Syrup
Photo © Lauren Ware
This recipe makes a medicinal elderberry syrup (although it's also delicious on pancakes, waffles or fruit!). With raw, local honey, the healing properties of this mixture abound. By the spoonful for sore throats, colds, and flu, you will want to keep a good quantity on hand for the winter. Although I wrote the recipe to be kept in the fridge, you could always sub sugar for the honey and water-bath can it like the jelly. I find that it's easy enough to refrigerate it and we will use 36 ounces in the course of a winter. Another option is to can the juice itself, with no sugar, and mix it fresh as you need it during the winter. I have even given the straight elderberry juice to my kids for medicine.
Elderberry Tincture
Photo © Lauren Ware
If you don't mind using alcohol, elderberry tincture is a great way to reap the medicinal benefits of elderberry in a concentrated, potent form. This classical herbal preparation extracts all the goodness from the elderberries and leaves you with a strong, medicinal tincture that can be used against viruses throughout the winter. Enjoy!
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