Elderberries

Sambucus nigra, the name of the plant that produces Elderberries, is a large deciduous shrub that bears dark black berries. Sambucus nigra hails from Europe, and also originates from southwest Asia and northwest Africa. Other common names for Sambucus nigra include Black Elder, European Elder, Common Elder, Black-berried European Elder, boor tree and German Elder. The plant produces flowers in the summer, and the fruit comes on in the late fall months of the year. The small dark berries hang in clusters off the large shrub, and are attractive to birds who flock to the plants for late season food.

Elderberries are a nutritious super-fruit packed with vitamin C, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. They have a long of history being used in traditional and Ayurvedic medicine due to their medicinal and beneficial properties. Elderberries are very versatile, with a robust, tangy, tart flavor profile. Consider making elderberries into a syrup or a tea to help support overall wellness year round. Elderberries also have a variety of culinary uses, and are often used in pies, jams, crumbles, and other desserts, as well as in elderberry wine. The berries are also used to make a variety of alcoholic beverages, including a juniper-flavored gin called Beers Vlierke.

Elderberry is used for the common cold, "the flu" (influenza), and H1N1 "swine" flu. It is also used for HIV/AIDS and boosting the immune system. Elderberry is also used for sinus pain, back and leg pain (sciatica), nerve pain (neuralgia), and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Some people use elderberry for hay fever (allergic rhinitis), cancer, as a laxative for constipation, to increase urine flow, and to cause sweating.

Appearance, aroma and taste profile: Small dark colored berries. Has a bitter but tangy flavor that is balanced by floral notes.

Botanical Name: Sambucus nigra

Common Names: Black-berried European Elder, Boor Tree, European Elder, German Elder, Pie Elder, American Elder, Black Elderberry, Elder-blow, Sweet Elder