Both the flowers and fruit have a long history of being used to make jams, tinctures and liquors. Although all parts of the plant should not be used raw. Cooking both the flower and fruit removes toxicity from sambucus. (you can also dry or freeze them to remove some of the toxicity).

Elderberry jam, elderberry syrup, elderflower liqour, elderflower champagne are all delightful ways to enjoy this matriarch.

 

Medicinally, elder is a wonderful anti-viral, so it is perfect during these crazy times of Covid.

 

Elderberry perhaps is my favorite color, the dark purple of the berries (almost black) has a deep and brilliant hue.

The juice of the elderberries can function as a dye (with alum as a mordant).