** A note for those who make a tea from the berries ** While a 'tea' might be easier, you won't be getting the full flu fighting effect, or the full flavor of the berries, by making what in essence is a weak tea. The berries should be cooked, simmered, for at least 20 mins to neutralize the toxins in the seeds and extract as much goodness from the berries as possible. Then mash the berries slightly and strain. Then you can drink with honey or sugar added. If you'd like to go whole hog and make syrup: 1/2 cup of berries (4oz), remove any stems and pale unripe berries as they can produce a bitter undertone to the syrup, and they are somewhat toxic as well, simmered in 2 cups water for 20 - 30 minutes. Mash berries, strain, stir in 1 cup honey or 1 -1 1/2 cup sugar until dissolved and mixed in. Pour into clean bottles, and store them in your fridge for up to 3 month, but it won't last that long. Lemon juice can also be added in after you stir in the sugar/honey for an extra boost in flavor and for added vitamin C content. You can use that syrup in 1 teaspoon doses (1/2 for children, 2x daily) to prevent flu, on pancakes in black tea, or thinned with hot water to make a hot cordial, which is very soothing in the evenings and to those who are nervous or ill. A 1 pound bag should yield about about 6-8 cups of syrup, depending on evaporation while simmering. Enjoy!
I was very pleased with these elderberries when I opened the bag. The aroma was rich, earthy, inviting and mildly pungent, not stale, or sour smelling as some I've bought. I have *just* finished making my first round of syrup with them and it is some of the best I've made. These seem to be high quality berries. The label says they are from Hungary. I know Bulgaria and Hungary are big suppliers of elderberry for some companies over here.
As I began this review, I noticed the price of the 1lb bag from vendor B H Y just went up about $2.00 since my order last week. As more people discover the antiviral effect of elderberries, more demand is placed on the supply raising the price as the supply is dwindled. Just about every other store and website I've checked is OUT except a few who only sell in 2 oz bags or expect us to pay $20 + shipping for 3.5 ounces. We are planting our own this spring to help ease this problem and assure that we have berries at least part of the season. Buy the berries before the fall and winter hits so you have them on hand before the price goes up and they're hard to find.
Elderberry is an influenza fighter. It prevents the virus from replicating by dulling the spikes on the virus cell which prevents the virus from piercing healthy cells and taking over. If you are already down with influenza (or a plain cold virus) the syrup, take 1 tsp every 2 hours, it will help you recover quickly and with lessened symptoms. Continue taking after you feel better at the normal 2x daily dose. Taken every day through the fall & winter it will keep you healthy. Home made works much better than store bought. They can also be used to jams and wines. Very tasty indeed. try to pick out the pale berries before using, they can make a very bitter undertone.
**Please do not confuse these with other dried berries and try to eat them as you would cranberries, or raisins; I've heard you do not want to ingest the seeds, they will make you ill.**
** Dear FDA, the above mentioned health benefits are for information purposes only.
Elderberries.
