DESCRIPTION
Product: Elderberries
Latin Name: Sambucus nigra
Plant Family: Adoxaceae
Other Names: Black Elder, Common Elder, Pipe Tree, Bore Tree, Bour Tree, Lady Ellhorn, Whistle Tree, Old Lady, Hylder, Hylantree, Eldrum, Ellhorn, Hollunder, Sabuco, Sabugo & Sureau.
Description: It is a deciduous shrub or small tree growing to 4–6 m (rarely to 10 m) tall. The bark, light grey when young, changes to a coarse grey outer bark with lengthwise furrowing. The leaves are arranged in opposite pairs, 10–30 cm long, pinnate with five to seven (rarely nine) leaflets, the leaflets 5–12 cm long and 3–5 cm broad, with a serrated margin.
SUGGESTED USE
The berries are used to make cordials, jams and jellies; they can even be used as a substitute for currants when baking. They make excellent wine and can be used to make a traditional drink called a rob which is a soothing and pleasant to drink hot during the colder months of the year.
Do not consume raw; elderberries should be cooked at a minimum of 80°c for at least 10 minutes before use. Consumption is not recommended during pregnancy and by children under 18 years of age.
SHELF LIFE
Shelf life of two years provided that goods are stored in an airtight container in ambient conditions.
