Organic Elderberry, Whole

General Information

Botanical Name: Sambucus nigra

Certified Organic

Origin: Bulgaria / Croatia / Albania

Production

Elder is a flowering plant that is native to Europe, Northern Africa, and Western Asia. It produces large clusters of small, white flowers in the spring, followed by small blueish black (sometimes red) berries.

Qualities

Elderberries naturally contain vitamins A, B, and C, and they have a long history of use in traditional European medicine. The berries and flowers of the Elder plant are most commonly used to boost the immune system, improve heart health, treat coughs, and cold and flu symptoms.

Common Use

Elderberries can be used in healing teas, tinctures, and syrups. They are always best consumed cooked, as cooking neutralizes the astringency and toxins that are naturally occurring in the seeds and stems of the berries. Elderberries are often combined with Echinacea. They have also been used in cordials, wines, and even ketchup recipes. The dried berries can be to muffin or pancake recipes for a flavor similar, but less sweet, to that of blueberries.