Update: please read my blog entry before purchasing the plant: https://mountainherbs.myshopify.com/admin/blogs/52002755/articles/196406990
Apart from the many medicinal properties elderberry flowers
are very useful in the kitchen. You can dip the flowers in a pancake
batter and fry them, they make a nice cordial, wine and champaign
Elderberry
flower tea is used to soothe, reduce inflammation or as a diuretic. The
flowers are taken for various other ailments including coughs, colds
and constipation. Elderberry is used as an immune booster, perhaps
supported by the presence of anthocyanidins in the berries (chemical
compounds that are known to have immunostimulant effects). Elderflower
is also used against diabetes: research has shown that extracts of
elderflower stimulate glucose metabolism and the secretion of insulin,
lowering blood sugar levels. The flowers contain Vitamin C
and rutin, both of which have strong antioxidant properties, so the
flowers can help prevent cancer.
Elderberry trees are Nitrogen lovers, give chicken manure or copious amounts of compost for best results. Lack
of nitrogen will show as weak, yellowing plants. Elderberries are best
placed as an understory to a higher tree canopy. Will also grow in full
sun if the roots are kept cool and moist.
- Fry elderberry flowers dipped in pancake batter.
- Use the berries for wine and the flowers to make champagne.
- Likes nitrogen and plenty of compost. Keep roots cool and moist.
One of the key herbs of Western Herbalism:
- Reduces inflammation, diuretic.
- Coughs, colds and constipation.
- Immune booster.
- Diabetes.
The plant shown in the second picture is one of the plants which is for sale. Of course, every plant looks a bit different!