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Sambucus nigra is the botanical name of Elderflower and Elderberry. The berries are mostly known for their antiviral action. Both flower and berry assist with the common colds and influenza and upper respiratory tract symptoms. The berries are high in anthocyanins (these are the coloured pigments in the berries). Anthocyanins can also be found in blueberries and any dark, purple red blue coloured fruit and vegetables. Due to the high anthocyanins these amazing coloured foods are are high in antioxidants.
The berries can be made into tea but also a concentrated syrup (recipe below). Here at Om My Way Teas we have used both berries and flowers to make a delicious tea that can be enjoyed hot or cold. Elderflower can be found in our very own Naturopathic Blend URT upper respiratory tract tea and in our YEP (yarrow, elderflower and peppermint) tea. Both elderberry and elderflower can be purchased here in our online store and at the markets.
ALL THE ELDERS CONCENTRATE RECIPE
Ingredients
200g of dried certified organic elderberries
900ml of pure spring of purified water
200g certified organic sugar I like to use maple sugar for the extra minerals and nutrients
Directions
Pop the berries and water in a saucepan and bring to the boil.
Simmer gently for 40 minutes.
Blend/pulse or mash the berries.
Strain the berries through a sieve lined with muslin or cheesecloth.
Leave the berries for 10 minutes or till the juice stops dripping.
Once it has stopped lift the edges of the cloth up and squeeze out as much of the juice as possible twisting the top to ensure every last drops is out.
Mix the sugar and elderberry juice in a pot and stir on low heat till sugar has dissolved.
Slowly bring up to the boil slowly and simmer on a gentle heat for 5 minutes all sugar should be disolved.
Let cool slightly.
Pour into sterilised glass bottles.
Let it cool enough so you can put the sterilised lid on and pop into the fridge.