Elderberries
Elderberry tea offers benefits like boosting the immune system, fighting cold and flu symptoms due to its antioxidants and Vitamin C, reducing inflammation, and supporting heart and skin health, with traditional uses also pointing to digestive and blood sugar balance.
Available in New Zealand.
Information
To make elderberry tea, a common ratio is 1 tablespoon of dried berries for 1 cup of water.
Instructions: Combine water, dried elderberries, and any spices like cinnamon or cloves in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer gently for 15-20 minutes (or up to 30 minutes for a stronger tea). Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the berries and spices. Stir in honey and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired and serve warm.
WARNING: You should not eat elderberries raw because they contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps; these toxins are neutralized by cooking, making the berries safe for syrups, jams, pies, and wines. Always cook elderberries thoroughly before consumption, as even ripe berries can cause illness when raw, and other parts of the plant (stems, leaves, roots) are also toxic.
How to safely consume elderberries: Cook thoroughly by simmering for 20-30 minutes to destroy the toxic compounds.
10-gram bag
Origin: Bulgaria
Organic
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