4 oz Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)

Description: 

Our elderberries are guaranteed natural and non-lighted, filled in Bulgaria.

Elderberries are mainly known for their invulnerable helping properties because of their high cell reinforcement content.

The dried berries can be made into a restorative syrup or use in food and refreshment arrangements like tea, syrups, jams, pies, juices, cordials, and that's only the tip of the iceberg.

They contain a wonderful, fruity smell and a sweet, tart taste with hearty connotations. Coordinates well with cinnamon, cloves, and other dried natural mixes

* DO NOT CONSUME RAW. DRIED ELDERBERRIES NEED TO BE COOKED OR PREPARED WITH BOILING WATER PRIOR TO INGESTION.   

For tea:  

Pour 8-12 oz of boiling water (212° F) over 1-2 tsp. of tea. Steep 3-4 minutes. 

Ingredients for Elderberry syrup:

• 1 cup dried (8 oz) organic elderberries
• 2 cups cold water (distilled, purified, or spring water works best)
• 2-3 tsp. organic dried ginger root
• 1 organic sweet cinnamon stick
• 1/2 cup raw, local honey (or organic maple syrup or agave for a vegan/infant-friendly recipe); double the amount of sweetener to increase shelf life
• 1 cup vodka or brandy (optional to increase shelf life)

Directions

1. Combine berries and herbs with cold water in pot and bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat and allow herbs to simmer 30 to 40 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and let steep 1 hour.
4. Strain berries and herbs using a funneloverlaid with doubled cheesecloth or undyed cotton muslin bag and squeeze out liquid (careful, liquid will likely still be hot!). Discard used herbs in compost.
5. Once liquid has cooled to just above room temperature, add honey and stir to incorporate. 
6. If using vodka or brandy, add here and stir until well combined.
7. Bottle in sterilized glass and store in the refrigerator.

Pro tips:

• Be sure to add honey in a ratio that is at least half of the total volume of liquid after it has simmered. This amount can change slightly and you want to make sure you have enough preservative (honey) so that your syrup won't spoil. (Example: If you are left with 2 cups of elderberry decoction, you will want to add at least 1 cup of honey.)