Elderberries

A small, deeply coloured berry with a distinctive tart-fruity character and a long history of use in traditional European botanical preparations.

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) grows on the European elder, a deciduous shrub or small tree recognised for its clusters of creamy-white flowers followed by dark purple-black berries.

Our Elderberries are supplied whole and dried as a single botanical for herbal infusions, botanical blending and culinary preparations. Once dried, the berries develop a concentrated, gently tart and subtly fruity character that works beautifully on its own or alongside complementary fruits, flowers, herbs and spices.

Elderberries naturally contain deeply coloured plant pigments known as anthocyanins, which contribute to their characteristic dark purple colour.

At Flowers from my Meadow, we keep it simple and uncomplicated: whole dried Elderberries, carefully packed for your home botanical pantry.

How to Prepare

Add 1–2 teaspoons of dried Elderberries per cup of water to a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer and allow to infuse for approximately 10–15 minutes, then strain before serving.

Elderberries should be cooked before consumption rather than eaten raw or simply soaked in cold water.

They can also be combined with complementary botanicals according to taste.

Precautions

Elderberries should be properly cooked before consumption. Do not consume raw or unripe elderberries, leaves, stems or other parts of the elder plant.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, taking medication, or have an existing medical condition, consult an appropriate healthcare professional before using concentrated herbal preparations.

Discontinue use if irritation or sensitivity occurs.

Size: 20 g resealable kraft pouch

Storage

Store sealed in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture.

Important: Keep out of reach of children.

Continue below to discover Elderberries' botanical story, traditional context, botanical profile and ways to prepare and explore them.