Recipe: How to Make Elderberry Tea

Are you seeking a delightful and nutritious beverage? Do you want to discover the art of making elderberry tea? What does elderberry taste like? What are the benefits of sipping one?

Elderberries have been known for their exceptional medicinal benefits since ancient times. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, used elderberries because they contain essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Join the ranks of those who have enjoyed its remarkable benefits throughout history by discovering more information about elderberry tea.

What Is Elderberry Tea?

The dark purple fruit of an elder tree is called an elderberry. Elderberries are widely utilized in countries such as North America and Europe. Some parts of Asia and Africa are also using elderberries in their daily lives.

Styria, in Austria, is a famous location associated with elderberries since it is known for its landscapes and abundant elderberry bushes. The natives of Austria also use elderberries for jams, syrups, and liqueur, known as “Hollerbrand.”

Elderberries can also be made into tea by letting the flowers or fruits soak in hot water, whether dried or fresh. It has health benefits, like antioxidants and anti-inflammatory qualities. People who drink tea will enjoy how good it tastes and how it can help their health.

What Part Of Elderberry Is Used for Tea?

Elderberry blooms and berries make up an elderberry tea. The dried blossoms are used in herbal tea blends, while the ripe berries make a tasty and healthful tea.

How To Dry Elderberries For Tea

You can start by selecting and picking ripe and ready-to-eat elderberries from the tree. Then take off the stems to wash and dry the fruit. Place the clean elderberries in a well-ventilated area, far from direct sunlight, and let them air dry for two weeks. Make sure to have an airtight container for proper storage.

What Does Elderberry Tea Taste Like?

Elderberry tea has a unique taste. The drink is usually sweet, tangy, and flowery. Some people taste earthy or herbal flavors depending on the preparation and blend.

What Is Elderberry Tea Good For?

This tea is known for promoting overall wellness. A drink that is rich in antioxidant properties and has anti-inflammatory effects.

Elderberry Tea Ingredients

elderberries, cup and wooden spoon in a wooden table

Elderberry tea is easy to prepare. The estimated time to prepare two servings of this refreshing and healthy drink is 5 minutes, while the time it takes to cook is 15 minutes.

A variety of ingredients is needed to make fresh elderberry tea:

Elderberry tea leaves – This recipe’s star ingredient is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals and known for its immune-boosting properties.
Water – This is where the elderberry tea leaves are steeped. It creates a burst flavor and helps extract the beneficial compounds from the tea leaves.
Honey or Sweetener – Natural sweeteners, like honey, makes the tea taste better. Honey also has other health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities.
Lemon Juice (optional) – Complementing ingredient that provides vitamin C in the body, a citrusy twist is what to expect when adding lemon juice.
Cinnamon Stick (optional) – You will experience a comforting flavor when you submerge this in your elderberry tea. It aims to keep you from common diseases due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Ice Cubes (optional) – To keep you cold during summer, add ice cubes to the brewed tea.
Fresh Mint Leaves (optional): Aside from their refreshing aroma and taste, mint leaves will aid digestion and provide a cooling effect when you incorporate them into your tea.

You can customize your recipe according to your liking or personal preferences. These ingredients, when combined, can create a cup that contains nourishment and numerous benefits tea has to offer.

How To Make Elderberry Tea

Whether you prefer sipping a hot or cold elderberry tea, learning to make it at home is simple yet rewarding. Indulge in the natural goodness of elderberries by following these step-by-step guides:

Get everything you need:

High-quality elderberry tea leaves: A popular brand or source to ensure a rich and flavorful tea.
Water: Filtered water is the best option for a better taste.
Sweetener (optional): Depending on your taste preferences, you can use sugar, honey, or any other sweetener.
Milk (optional): You may add some milk to make elderberry milk tea.

Bring your water to a boil: Fill a pot or kettle with the desired amount of water and bring it to a boil.
Have your tea leaves ready: Identify and measure your desired amount of elderberry tea leaves. A typical proportion is one teaspoon of tea leaves per cup of water. You may adjust this according to your taste.
Steep the tea: Place your elderberry tea in a heat-resistant container or pot.
Pour the hot water over the tea leaves: Let them sit for the suggested time, usually between 3 and 5 minutes. Change the steeping time to get the strength you want.
Strain the tea: Strain the tea leaves using a fine mesh or a tea infuser. This will ensure a tea free of leaves.
Sweeten as desired: Add your preferred sweetener, sugar, or honey to the hot tea. Please make sure to stir it well until the sweetener dissolves completely.
Make elderberry milk tea (optional): To make this, you need to boil your milk of choice, then adjust the milk-to-tea ratio depending on how creamy you want your tea.
Serve and Enjoy: Pour the elderberry tea into cups or mugs to sip and taste its delightful flavor and aroma. You can enjoy it hot or cold, but cool it down before putting ice cubes to make it a refreshing iced tea.

Tips For Making Elderberry Tea

honey and elderberry tea with lemon placed in a table

Elderberry tea is an aromatic drink everyone can enjoy. Here are some tips you can apply to make your afternoon tea cup with friends more fun, flavorful, and delightful:

Use nothing but high-quality elderberry tea leaves: Choosing suitable elderberry tea leaves significantly impacts the taste of your elderberry tea. Make sure to choose well-known brands or trusted sources.
Sweetened to taste: Elderberry tea can be enjoyed even with minimal sugar. You may experiment and try different amounts of sweetness to find the right balance.
Add other complementary ingredients: Customize your drink by incorporating cinnamon, ginger, or citrus juice. Try to be creative in choosing your mix of flavors.
Experiment with milk: If you’re following a strict diet, you may replace regular dairy milk with almond, soy, or any other plant-based milk you like.
Store and keep: Put leftover elderberry tea in a sealed container and refrigerate. Consume within a day or two to keep its taste and freshness.

Elderberry Tea Nutritional Facts

Here are the estimated nutritional facts of drinking one serving of elderberry tea. These contents may vary depending on the concentration and serving size:

Calories: 0-5 kcal
Carbohydrates: 0-1g
Protein: Negligible amount
Fat: Negligible amount
Saturated Fat: Negligible amount
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 0-5 mg
Potassium: 0-10 mg
Sugar: 0-1g
Vitamin A: 0 IU
Calcium: 0 mg

Disclaimer: Adding sweeteners, milk, or other ingredients can affect the overall nutritional contents given above. Thus, thoroughly checking the product label for specific information about the elderberry tea you are consuming is highly encouraged.

Elderberry Tea Benefits

Beyond the pleasing and delightful taste of elderberry tea, this tea is packed with many health benefits that have been appreciated and used for generations.

Here is the list of remarkable benefits of drinking elderberry tea:

Supports Immune System: Elderberry tea contains vitamins and minerals, making it an immune-boosting beverage. It protects the body against illnesses and infections.
Reduce Cold and Flu Symptoms: This herbal tea is used as a natural remedy for common colds and flu symptoms, such as sore throat and congestion, due to its antiviral properties.
Improves Digestive Health: Beneficial for individuals experiencing irregular bowel movements or any gastrointestinal discomfort such as bloating.
Enhances Skin Health: Packed with antioxidants that help combat skin aging. Regular intake of elderberry tea can promote a healthy skin complexion.
Weight Management: Since it’s a low-calorie drink, you can add this tea to your balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

FAQs

What Is Elderberry Tea?

Elderberry tea is a herbal drink that comes from the dried flowers or berries of elderberry plants.

What Is The Purpose Of Elderberry Tea?

This tea supports and strengthens your immune system and prevents and eases symptoms of colds and flu.

How Do You Prepare Elderberries For Consumption?

Simmer dried elderberries in hot water for 15 minutes, strain to remove excess leaves or berries, and serve. You may add sweeteners or other ingredients that suit your taste.

Is Drinking Elderberry Tea Good For You?

Yes, as it contains antioxidants and supports overall health and well-being.

Who Should Not Consume Elderberry Tea?

Pregnant or breastfeeding women, those with autoimmune diseases, those taking immune-suppressing medications, and those allergic to elderberries should not consume elderberry tea.