Elderberry

• Making elderberry syrup for pancakes or waffles: Cooked elderberries are often simmered with sugar and spices to create a flavorful syrup, perfect as a topping or sweetener for beverages.
• Crafting elderberry jam or jelly: The naturally occurring pectin in elderberries makes them well-suited for making homemade jams and jellies with a distinctive tart flavor.
• Baking elderberry pies and crumbles: Elderberries can be incorporated into baked desserts like pies and crumbles, often combined with other fruits like apples or blackberries for added sweetness and complexity.
• Brewing elderberry wine or liqueur: Fermented elderberries are used to produce flavorful wines and liqueurs, popular for their unique taste and potential health benefits.
• Preparing elderberry cordial: A concentrated syrup made from elderberries, used to flavor drinks, desserts, or added to cocktails and sparkling water.
• Creating elderberry sauce for savory dishes: Cooked elderberries can be used to make a tangy sauce to serve with roasted meats like duck or venison, adding a unique fruity element to the savory dish.

• Rich in antioxidants to combat free radicals and support overall health.
• May help shorten the duration and severity of colds and flu.
• Supports immune system function due to its high vitamin C content.
• Contains anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce swelling and pain.
• Promotes heart health by helping to lower cholesterol levels.
• May improve digestion and alleviate constipation due to its fiber content.

Fresh elderberries are best used soon after harvesting. If you need to store them, keep them refrigerated in a breathable container (like a loosely covered bowl) for up to a few days. For longer storage, elderberries can be frozen. Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer until frozen solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents them from clumping together. Dried elderberries should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry place to maintain their potency and prevent spoilage.