Photo by Fotolia
Black elderberries have a long-held reputation for their immune-supporting properties, having been used for thousands of years by traditional cultures across North America and Europe. Because of the delicious taste as well as the immune-boosting qualities, this berry has been used in homemade jams, wines and syrups.
Black elderberry is unique in providing both antioxidant and immune support, due to its natural concentration of anthocyanins (the antioxidants that give it that deep purple color) and other flavonoids.*
This time of year, Black elderberries are a staple in many households for kids and adults alike. The vibrant little berries can be consumed daily throughout immune season for long-term support for your body’s natural defenses, or they can be taken as needed, at onset of an immune challenge.*
Today we’re sharing some of our favorite, simple ways to eat, drink and be merry with black elderberry all season long.
Everyday Elderberry Recipes:
Black elderberry is a tasty way to get daily immune support.* Here are three easy ways to work it into your daily routine:
Super Berry Oatmeal: Stir ½ cup mixed berries into a ½ cup serving of oatmeal, then top with 2 tablespoons coconut milk and 1 teaspoon black elderberry syrup. Sprinkle on hemp seeds or slivered almonds, and serve. This warm, comforting and nourishing breakfast is ready in under 10 minutes! Serves 1.
Elderberry Swirl Yogurt Parfaits: Swirl 2 teaspoons black elderberry syrup into 1 cup yogurt of your choice, taking care to leave some pretty swirls. In two short, wide-mouthed glasses, layer the swirled yogurt with ½ cup granola, 1 sliced banana and 1 cup blueberries for a breakfast that brightens any morning. Serves 2.
Quick Elderberry Jam: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 2 cups frozen elderberries with ¼ cup grape juice. Cook, stirring and mashing often, until the fruit and juice are simmering and slightly thickened, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in ¼ cup black elderberry syrup. Transfer to jars and refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze for up to three months. Spread on toast, swirl into applesauce or yogurt, or use atop pancakes and waffles. Serves 8.
Photo by Fotolia
Special Occasion Elderberry Recipes:
Black elderberry can also provide immune support when you need it.* Here’s a trio of feel-good, taste-good recipe ideas.
Elderberry Sunrise Slushie: In a blender, mix 1 cup orange juice with ½ cup ice, a dropperful of echinacea extract (for additional immune support) and a dropperful of ginger extract (for digestion).* Scoop into a glass, and drizzle on a teaspoon of black elderberry syrup. The active constituents in echinacea will make your mouth tingle! Serves 1.
Black Elderberry Sorbet Sundaes: When you’re craving something cool but don’t want to drag out the blender, scoop some mango or berry sorbet into a bowl, then top with black elderberry syrup and shredded coconut. Use a tiny spoon to savor each cool bite! Serves 1.
Black Elderberry Fizz: Pour 1 teaspoon black elderberry syrup into a glass. Top with ginger kombucha (for grownups) or sparkling lemonade (for kids). Fizzy drinks are a fun way to brighten any day! Serves 1.
Gaia Herbs uses Certified Organic European Black Elderberries to create a juice concentrate that provides the equivalent of 14,500 mg of fresh elderberries per serving of our Black Elderberry Syrup. This delicious syrup—with natural vitamin C from acerola cherries—contains no artificial flavors or colors, no preservatives and no high fructose corn syrup.
Want more ways to use Gaia Herbs Black Elderberry Syrup? Visit our recipes page for quick, delicious ideas.
Gaia Herbs cultivates health and well-being by stewarding sustainable relationships between plants and people. We offer more than 200 liquid extracts, functional powders, teas and patented Liquid Phyto-Caps®, each formulated to do what’s best for your body — and for nature. We use only organic methods on our farms, and that same organic approach continues through manufacture. Part of our seed-to-shelf commitment is the industry’s only traceability platform, MeetYourHerbs®. This dedication to purity, integrity, and potency ensures the safety and efficacy of our products. Take control of your own well-being and experience the Gaia difference.
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*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.