Elderberries

Elderberry wine has been in my consciousness since I can remember. But I've never had a glass of it. I've never seen or tasted an elderberry and I can't recall the source of my memory. My best guess is that it was in a book I read many years ago or perhaps in a movie or TV show. So, when I saw photos of elderberries, I knew I wanted to bring the topic here because I am sure many of you have either made the wine yourselves or sampled elderberries in desserts or cordials. 

First, a small bit of folklore about the elderberry shrub/tree. Some lore insists that the elder tree can ward off evil and protect against witches. While other lore says that witches like to gather beneath the trees while they're in full fruit. Maybe I'll have one of my witches in the Flame Series have an elder tree in her backyard, lol!

 FunFacts about Elderberries (Source) (Source) (Source)
  • The elderberry is part of the Sambucus family of which there are up to 30 different species.
  • The fruit of the elderberry is purple-to-black in color and is produced in clusters in the fall.
  • Elderberry fruit can be poisonous consumed raw. Cooking is advisable to remove the toxicity. Only Sambucus nigra is considered non-poisonous, yet some cooking is still advised.
  • The flowers of the elderberry can be used to produce an elderflower cordial.
  • Romanians have a soft drink made from elderflowers that steep with water, yeast and lemon for 2-3 days. It’s called ‘Socata’.
  • Birds and butterflies love elderberry shrubs and trees.
  • Elderberry shrubs and trees produce white, fragrant blossoms in the spring and summer.
  • Elderberries are used in jams, jellies, yogurts, pies and other baked goods.
  • Elderberries are also used to create wine, brandy and gin, especially in certain European countries.
  • Elderberries have been used as medicine for a long time to treat a variety of ailments: Rheumatism, the common cold and flu, for constipation, or as a diuretic and even for AIDS.
  • Elderberry shrubs and trees can live from 80 to 100 years.   


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I hope you enjoyed today's blog!
Have a wonderful day and the best week ever!
Hugs,
Valerie Bosna
     Writing As...
     Caris Roane
     Valerie King
     Eliot Wilde

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