Elderberries refer to fruits from the Sambucus tree. They are bunches of small bluish-black berries that have long been used for their health benefit. There are two types of elderberries: Sambucus nigra and Sambucus Canadensis. But the most common type is Sambucus nigra.
They originated from Europe, but other countries are currently growing them. Elderberry grows wild in many parts across the world, but they are favorable to moist and dry soils and require full sun. They take three years to mature and have a deep purple color once they are ripe.
Can you eat elderberries? Yes, you can eat ripe and cooked elderberries. They are nutritious and rich in antioxidants that help keep your body healthy by fighting inflammation and infections. Elderberry is the most used medicinal plant across the globe.
Are Raw Elderberries Bad For You?
Yes, though, some people do eat raw elderberries despite being bitter. However, it’s good to cook them first to reduce the tartness. Raw elderberries contain poisonous toxins that are not good for you. The seeds of raw elderberries contain cyanide chemicals that can make you sick. You may experience nausea, vomiting, and even diarrhea after eating them.
So, ensure that you remove the stalks of elderberries and then cook them. Besides, it would be best if you avoided unripe elderberries. They contain lectins that can upset your stomach. Some people also experience allergies when they touch fresh stems of elderberry. This may include skin irritations and rashes.
What is the Nutritional Value of Elderberries?
Elderberries are very nutritious. They contain vitamins and minerals that are good for your body. They are also high in dietary fiber and a good source of flavonoids.
One cup serving of elderberries contains:
- 106 calories
- 26.68 grams of carbohydrates
- 870 mg of vitamin A
- 406 mg of potassium
- 52.2 mg of vitamin C
- 9 mg of folate
- 55 mg of calcium
- 2.32 mg of iron
Elderberries are also a good source of phenol acids that can reduce damage from oxidative stress. They contain low calories that make them perfect for adding to your diet.
What are the Health Benefits of Elderberries?
Elderberries have traditionally been used as medicine. They contain antioxidants that help to fight antiviral infections such as cold and flu. The elderberry syrup will help relieve your headaches, fever, nasal congestions, and muscle pains.
What are the benefits of elderberries? They contain nutrients and antioxidants that help fight chronic diseases, keep your heart healthy, treat acne and flu symptoms and support your immune system.
If you have embarrassing acne, elderberry fruit is the perfect solution. The plant contains flavonoids with anti-inflammatory contents and antiseptic effects, which will keep your skin healthy and free from damage. All you need to do is wash your face with the berry syrup. They are also rich in vitamin A, which helps keep your skin flawless and free from spots and wrinkles.
Elderberries are also good for your heart. They are low in calories, and elderberry juice help to reduce cholesterol in your body. Flavonoid contents keep you safe and free from heart diseases and lower uric acid in your blood hence keeping your heart healthy. Elderberry also increases insulin secretion, improves your blood sugar levels, and prevents type-2 diabetes.
The flowers and leaves of elderberries are also healthy. They are rich in antioxidants like anthocyanins and vitamin E, which help fight diseases like sinusitis and harmful bacteria. Therefore eating elderberry fruit will support and keep your immune system healthy. Finally, dietary fiber is good for your fitness journey and weight management.
How to Prepare and Store Elderberries
Elderberries are not hard to prepare. You wash them first like you do to your other fruits to remove dirt and insects. You can do this in a large bowl to remove unripe berries and unwanted debris. You then boil and strain to get the syrup, which you can add to your smoothies, tea, ice cream yogurt, and make cough drops.
You can freeze the syrup to keep it fresh until you need to use it next. Elderberry wine is also delicious if you allow it to ferment beyond 6 months. You can use elderberries, flowers, and lemon for your cocktails. Elderberry juice is also delicious and contains vitamins and antioxidants, which your entire family can take. The syrup can also be drizzle into your salads.
Lastly, you can store your dried elderberries at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, and in a dry place. Ensure you keep them away from children as not to eat the uncooked elderberries, which is poisonous.
Final Thoughts
- Elderberries originated from Europe but are currently grown worldwide. They can grow in most and dry soil.
- Raw elderberries are bad for you because they are bitter and contain toxins that can make you sick. You might experience nausea, headache, vomiting, and diarrhea. For this reason, it’s best to cook them first to kill the cyanide chemicals.
- Elderberries are rich in nutrients and vitamins that are good for your body. They also contain dietary fiber, flavonoids, and antioxidants that help fight infections and keep you healthy.
- Adding elderberry to your diet has many health benefits. They help treat cold, and flu prevents chronic diseases like heart attacks, treat your acne, and keep your skin free from wrinkles and spots. They help low your cholesterol levels and keep your heart healthy as well as your immune system.
- Preparing your elderberries is easy. You wash them first, boil in water, and strain to get the syrup. This syrup is healthy, and you can add to your smoothies, cough drops, salads, and cocktails.
- Elderberries also help to make wine and cosmetics. You keep your dried elderberries in a dry place, and you also freeze them for later use.
- Adding elderberries to your diet is a right and healthy decision. You will help your body to stay healthy and prevent illnesses.