Creekside Elderberry trees at Alberta Orchard Wellness

https://www.healthline.com

Elderberries are:

• High in vitamin C: There are 6–35 mg of vitamin C per 100 grams of fruit, which accounts for up to 60% of the recommended daily intake
• High in dietary fiber: Elderberries contain 7 grams of fiber per 100 grams of fresh berries, which is over one-quarter of the recommended daily intake
• A good source of phenolic acids: These compounds are powerful antioxidants that can help reduce damage from oxidative stress in the body
• A good source of flavonols: Elderberry contains the antioxidant flavonols quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin. The flowers contain up to 10 times more flavonols than the berries 
• Rich in anthocyanins: These compounds give the fruit its characteristic dark black-purple color and are a strong antioxidant with anti-inflammatory effects 

• A good source of flavonols: Elderberry contains the antioxidant flavonols quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin. The flowers contain up to 10 times more flavonols than the berries

More powerful research: 

Advanced research on the antioxidant and health benefit of elderberry (Sambucus nigra) in food – a review

European Medicines Agency/HMPC/44208/2012
Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC)
Assessment report on Sambucus nigra L., fructus

100g of fresh fruit

• Vitamin B 2 65 mg
• Vitamin C 18-26 mg
• Folic acid 17 mg
• Biotin 1.8 mg
• β-carotene 0.36 mg
• Vitamin B6 0.25 mg
• Pantothenic acid 0.18 mg Nicotinamide 1.48 mg
• Potassium 288 mg-305 mg
• Phosphorus 49 mg-57 mg

Also: anthocyanins , phenolic acids,  flavonols  (higher in flowers), essential oils, fatty acids, fiber

Up for creating your own syrup?

Ingredients 

• 2 cups dried or 1 cup fresh elderberries
• 4 cups cold water (distilled, filtered, or spring water works best)
• 1 cup raw and local honey double the amount of sweetener to increase shelf life
• 1 cup vodka (optional to increase shelf life)

Add in spice options:

• 1-2 tsp fresh or 2-3 tsp. dried ginger root
• 1 cinnamon stick 

Infant/vegan substitute: maple syrup for honey

Directions:

1. Combine berries/herbs with cold water in pot. Bring water to a boil.
2. Reduce heat.
3. Simmer brew for 30 to 40 minutes.
4. Remove from heat.
5. Steep 1 hour.
6. Strain berries and herbs in doubled cheesecloth.  Carefully squeeze out warm liquid. Compost spent herbs.
7. Add honey or maple syrup when brew is just above room temperature.  Stir.
8. If preserving with vodka, combine and stir.
9. Bottle in sterilized glass.

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