Fruit
Elderberry
These deep purple berries have been gathered and cooked into syrups for generations to help see families through cold season.
🌱 What it is
Elderberries are the small, dark fruit of the elder shrub, a hedgerow plant found across many temperate regions. They must always be cooked before eating, which removes natural compounds that can upset the stomach.
✨ How it may help
- May help support the body during cold and flu season
- May help support a healthy dose of antioxidants
- May help support comfort when taken at the first sniffle
- May help support overall immune wellness as part of a varied diet
🥄 How to use it
Use a store-bought elderberry syrup or tea as directed on the label, especially at the first sign of a cold. Always cook the berries fully — never eat them raw.
🥗 Nutrition
Per 1/2 cup cooked elderberries (100g) · about 73 calories
- Vitamin C 36mg
- Fiber 7g
- Potassium 280mg
- Vitamin A 30mcg
Source: USDA FoodData Central
⚖️ Caution
Raw or unripe elderberries, along with the leaves, bark, and seeds, can cause stomach upset — only use properly prepared, cooked products from a trusted brand.
🍃 A note from nature
The elder bush loads its branches with these dark little berries each autumn, a small harvest gift ready just as cold season arrives.