Elderberry Wine

Elderberry plants are the member of the genus Sambucus, which includes around 30 species of small trees and shrubs. The genus, Sambucus is native to temperate and subtropical regions of both Northern and Southern hemisphere. Elderberry has been a part of folk or traditional medicine of Europe, North America, Western Asia and North Africa, much before modern science has revealed its medicinal properties. The ancient Egyptians used the plant and its flowers to heal burns, while early Indian tribes used to include elderberries in teas and other beverages. But, the wine from the berries were first prepared only in the 17th century, and the British claimed that this wine could cure common cold. In modern times, elderberries have become a subject of many scientific investigations.

The Goodness of Elderberry Wine

Elderberries are a rich source of vitamin A, B, C, amino acids, carotenoids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, quercetin, rutin, tannin and viburnic acid. The dark color of the berries is due to the presence of anthocyanin and bioflavonoid. All these compounds accounts for the therapeutic properties of elderberries and the wine prepared from the berries.

• It contains some compounds such as, flavonoids, quercetin and anthocyanin, all of which are powerful antioxidants. These antioxidants can help to minimize the cellular damage caused by the highly reactive particles, known as free radicals. This in turn, helps to prevent a number of health conditions, including cancer.
• It invigorates the immune system, it helps the body to fight against the infectious agents including, virus.
• The immune boosting properties of elderberries helps in treating and alleviating the symptoms of common cold and flu. In 1995, elderberry juice was used in Panama to control a flu epidemic.
• It has been found to exhibit anti-viral properties. The flavonoids found in the berries can activate certain immune cells that can destroy viruses. On the other hand, the compound 'lectin' have been found to inhibit replication of certain strains of influenza virus in the laboratory.
• Elderberry and its various extracts can lower the level of cholesterol in the body, and minimize the effects of harmful LDL cholesterol. This can help to improve heart health, and lower the risk for heart and cardiovascular diseases.
• Apart from these, the berries can prove helpful for cough, congestion, asthma, tonsillitis, inflammation of the urinary tract and the bladder, as well as viral and bacterial infections.

How to Make Wine from Elderberries?

Making this wine is not so difficult, and considering all its health benefits it is worth trying. First of all, you will need good quality ripe berries. The basic recipe begins with cleaning the berries properly to remove any kind of debris and also their stems. The next step is to boil about a gallon of water and add sugar to it. Keep stirring the water until the sugar dissolves completely. Now, put the berries in a nylon straining bag, tie the end and mash the berries with a potato masher. Put the mashed berries along with the nylon bag in a container and pour the sugar water on them, after which cover the container. Let the mixture cool to a lukewarm temperature, after which add acid blend, yeast nutrient and crushed Campden tablets to it. Again cover the container and leave it for about 12 hours.

After 12 hours, add pectic enzyme to it, and stir well. Then, cover the container for another 12 hours after which you can add yeast to it. After adding yeast, continue to stir the blend daily for about 2 weeks, i.e. 14 days. Before stirring, do not forget to squeeze the elderberry bag. Also be sure to cover the container each time after stirring. At the end of 14 days, strain the juice into a second container and fit an airlock. Store this container in a dark place for about two months to facilitate fermentation. Again, rack the wine and airlock it for two more times. Then let the wine stabilize and after ten days, rack it again and sweeten it. Now, pour the wine into bottles and store them in a dark place for about 6 months before drinking.

Remember to not overindulge in wine, as too much of it can prove detrimental to your health. Apart from wine, you can also enjoy the berries, as well as make its tea, juice and other extract. However, be sure to avoid the unripe berries, which contains a mildly toxic compound, known as sambunigrin. The leaves, seeds and the roots of elderberry plants also contain a compound, glycoside, which if taken in excess amount can release cyanide in our body and so, they should be avoided.