Elderberry

What Is Elderberry?

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is the small, dark purple-black fruit of the elder tree that ripens in clusters; it's known in English as "elderberry." The same tree's white flowers are also used in the kitchen.

With its sourish-astringent taste, it's not suitable for raw consumption. Since unripe berries, stems, and leaves contain irritant compounds, the berries are always thoroughly cooked before use.

Nutritional Values of Elderberry

100 g of elderberry contains about 73 kcal of energy, 18.4 g of carbohydrates, and 7 g of fiber; it's a dark fruit rich in vitamin C and anthocyanins. Values are for measurement before cooking.

How Should Elderberry Be Consumed?

Elderberry must always be thoroughly cooked before use; raw, unripe berries as well as stems and leaves should not be consumed. Cooking makes the fruit safe to use.

This information is general; elderberry is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment. It should not be eaten raw, and unripe and green parts should be avoided.

How to Choose Elderberry?

Good elderberry has berries that are fully ripe, dark purple-black, and plump; green-reddish unripe berries and stems should be picked out. Crushed and moldy clusters should not be bought.

• The berries should be fully ripe, dark purple-black
• Green-unripe berries and stems should be picked out
• Crushed and moldy clusters should not be bought

How Should Elderberry Be Stored?

Fresh elderberry should be processed within 1–2 days in the refrigerator; once cooked into syrup or jam, it lasts much longer. Dried elderberry is also stored in a cool, dry place.

Using Elderberry in the Kitchen

Elderberry is cooked and strained for use in syrup, jam, jelly, and drinks; its dark color and sourish-sweet aroma add depth to sweetened liquids. Elder flower, on the other hand, is used separately in syrup and lemonade making.

How Is Elderberry Syrup Made?

Ripe elderberries are separated from their stems, boiled with water, strained, and thickened with added sugar; thorough cooking is important, and the resulting syrup is used in drinks and desserts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why isn't elderberry eaten raw?

Raw and unripe berries along with stems and leaves contain irritant compounds, so they're not consumed raw; cooking removes the effect of these compounds.

Are elder flower and berry used differently?

Yes; the flower is used more as an aromatic in syrup and lemonade, while the berry is cooked and used to make syrup and jam.

Can elderberry be frozen?

Yes; berries picked off their stems can be frozen and cooked when needed for use.