What is Elderberry Whole?

Elderberry Whole is the whole dried berry of Sambucus nigra, the European Black Elderberry, a small tree or large shrub in the Adoxaceae family. The tree produces clusters of small dark purple-black berries in late summer, and these dried berries are one of the most documented fruits in European folk tradition.

About the plant

The classic traditional preparation is elderberry syrup, made by simmering the berries with honey and warming spices, a winter staple in many historic European households. Whole berries are the format used for that cook-and-strain method. Raw elderberries are traditionally cooked before any use, and every traditional preparation involves cooking, whether simmered for syrup or baked into pies.

Related herbs

• Elderberry Powder — the same berries, ground.
• Elder Flower — the dried flowers of the same tree.

Elderberry Whole: form & sizes

We carry Elderberry Whole as organic whole dried berries, sold by weight in sizes from 1 oz to 1 lb. We make no health or therapeutic claims.

Storage

Store Elderberry Whole in an airtight container, away from heat, light, and humidity, to preserve its color and aroma.

Elderberry Whole at a glance

Botanical name

Sambucus nigra

Family

Adoxaceae

Native region

Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa

Plant part

berries

Sourcing

Organic

Also known as

European Elderberry, Black Elder

Form

whole dried berries

Sizes

1 oz to 1 lb