Organic elderberries are a versatile culinary ingredient, perfect for a range of homemade preparations. Their most popular application is in creating rich, dark elderberry syrup. They are also widely used to make delicious jams, jellies, teas, and to infuse wines and spirits.
Cooking elderberries is a critical safety step. The raw berries, leaves, and stems of the elder plant contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can cause digestive distress if consumed uncooked. Applying heat breaks down these compounds, making the cooked berries perfectly safe to enjoy.
Choosing certified organic elderberries ensures that the berries were grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilisers. Since the whole berry is used in preparations like syrups and teas, using an organic product guarantees a pure, clean starting ingredient for your creations.
Once cooked, elderberries offer a robust and tangy flavour. They are pleasantly tart with rich, earthy, and wine-like notes. Many people compare their taste to a complex blend of blackberry and dark grape, making them a unique and flavourful addition to recipes.
Preparing a tea requires a decoction to extract the flavour. Place one or two tablespoons of dried organic elderberries in a small pot with two cups of water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer for about 15-20 minutes. Strain and serve.
Elderberry's bold flavour pairs wonderfully with a variety of spices. For syrups and teas, consider adding ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. For jams and jellies, apples and lemon zest provide a lovely balance to the elderberry's tartness.
