What is an Elderberry?

Native to Europe, called “the medicine chest of the people”. It is traditionally used for catarrh, colds, and rheumatic complaints, used to help detoxify the body by increasing blood circulation. Researchers have found that it contains viburnic acid, a substance that promotes sweating, thus reducing fever. The flower purifies the blood and is an anti inflammatory agent. It also relieves pain and has a sedative action.

WILDCRAFTING

Such generous bushes grow wild in the countryside. Look for the blue variety (Sambucus canadensis) and not the red (Sambucus pubens), which does not taste well and can be poisonous. They look different so do not be confused. The toxic plant has a bright red fruit in dome-shaped bunches while the edible kind has white, “dusted” appearance with flat clusters of rich blue to purple black berries. They look like they have been dipped in powdered sugar when they are ripe.

The most common use of elderberry is making it into a syrup or jelly, as raw elderberries are tart. The juice produces a clear, ruby red like color, rich in vitamin C.

Elderberry jelly

You need :

3 pounds of elderberries

Juice of 1 lemon

1 box of fruit pectin

3 cups sugar

• Process :
• Wash the berries and prepare other ingredients
• Heat the berries over a low fire until the juice starts to flow and simmer the fruit for 15 minutes
• Strain the liquid through a double layer of cheesecloth ( easier if you cook the fruit in the evening and let it drain overnight)
• Mix the elderberries and lemon juice with just enough water to make three cups of fluid
• Add the pectin, bring the mixture to a boil
• Stir in the sugar
• Bring the jelly into a full boil again for one minute
• Pour into sterilized glass jars
• Store in a cool, dry place.

Elderberry syrup

To make a syrup, the ratios are simple, just remember to use the same method of measurement, either weights or volumes.

Herb to water ratio is : 1 part herb to 5 parts water

Water/herb to sugar ratio : 1 part herb and water to 2 parts sugar or honey

Ingredients :

1/3 cup elderberries

1/4 ounce ginger root

1/4 cup slippery elm bark

1/2 teaspoon powdered cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon clove

3 1/2 cups distilled water

1/2 cup vegetable glycerin

Honey

• HOW TO MAKE :
• In a saucepan, add the herbs to the water and simmer for an hour with no cover/lid, stirring occasionally
• Strain and measure the total volume
• Return the strained liquid to the pot and add twice as much honey according to the amount of your liquid
• Add vegetable glycerin
• Pour into sterile bottles with tight fitting lids
• Store in a cool, dark place

Enjoy elderberries when they are in season. These perennial beauties will return next year and make another batch for food or medicine when you need it. You can even dip the flowers in an egg batter and fry it, like an fritter. Enjoy!