Dried Elderberries: What They Are and How to Use Them
Quick answer: Dried elderberries are the small, deep-purple berries of the elder plant (Sambucus), dried whole so they keep in the pantry. They are never eaten raw: simmer them first, most often into elderberry tea or a homemade syrup. CGI-Green sells whole dried elderberries in 4 oz, 8 oz and 1 lb bags, alongside our wildcrafted Caribbean sea moss.
Elderberries have been simmered into syrups, teas and jams in family kitchens around the world for generations. If you have a bag in your cupboard, or you are thinking about one, here is what they are, how to prepare them safely, and two simple ways to use them.
What Are Dried Elderberries?
Elderberries grow in clusters on the elder shrub, part of the Sambucus family of flowering plants found in many parts of the world. The ripe berries are dark purple to nearly black. Their deep color comes from natural plant pigments called anthocyanins, the same family of pigments that colors blackberries and blueberries.
Drying the berries whole keeps them shelf-stable, so you can make a pot of tea or a batch of syrup whenever you like. Ours are whole dried berries with nothing added.
Safety First: Always Cook Elderberries
Important: Do not eat elderberries raw or unripe, and do not use the stems, leaves or bark, which are not edible. Always simmer the berries before eating or drinking them. Do not give honey-sweetened syrup to babies under 1 year old.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, take medication or are managing a health condition, check with a healthcare professional before adding elderberry to your routine.
How to Make Elderberry Tea
- Add about 1 tablespoon of dried elderberries to 1 cup of water in a small pot.
- Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes.
- Strain out the berries and let it cool a little.
- Sweeten with honey if you like, or simmer it with a cinnamon stick, a slice of ginger or a few cloves.
The tea is deep red-purple, tart and a little earthy, with a jammy sweetness once honey goes in.
How to Make Elderberry Syrup at Home
- Add ½ cup of dried elderberries to 2 cups of water.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer gently for 30 to 45 minutes, until the liquid has reduced by about half.
- Mash the berries lightly, then strain through a fine sieve.
- When it has cooled to warm, stir in honey to taste.
- Pour into a clean glass jar and keep it in the fridge. Homemade syrup has no preservatives, so make small batches and use it within about two weeks.
Stir a little into warm water or tea, drizzle it over pancakes or yogurt, or mix it into a smoothie.
Elderberries and Sea Moss
Elderberries sit naturally beside sea moss in a home kitchen: both are plant-based, both have been part of family routines for generations, and both fit into the same morning smoothie. Our sea moss is Eucheuma cottonii, wildcrafted and hand-harvested in St. Lucia and the surrounding Caribbean, then traditionally sun-dried. Both fit in the same morning smoothie: 2 tablespoons of sea moss gel and a splash of homemade elderberry syrup.
| Bag | Price |
|---|---|
| 4 oz dried elderberries, whole | $18.95 |
| 8 oz dried elderberries, whole | $28.95 |
| 1 lb dried elderberries, whole | $39.95 |
CGI-Green at a Glance
- Who we are: a family-owned, Caribbean-rooted wellness brand with more than 80 years of family tradition behind our sea moss.
- Species: Eucheuma cottonii.
- Where it comes from: wildcrafted and hand-harvested in St. Lucia and the surrounding Caribbean.
- How it is made: rinsed with lime and traditionally sun-dried. No synthetic additives.
- Tested: our sea moss is third-party tested.
- Based in: Florida. Orders ship from our facility in the US.
- Products: sea moss gels, Moss Bites gummies, dried sea moss, capsules and dried elderberries.
- Customers: rated 4.9/5 by 18,250+ customers.
We don't tell you it's quality. We show you.
Whole dried elderberries and wildcrafted Caribbean sea moss, from our family to yours.
Shop Dried ElderberriesFrequently Asked Questions
Can you eat dried elderberries raw?
No. Do not eat elderberries raw or unripe. Always simmer dried elderberries before eating or drinking them, for example as tea or syrup. The stems, leaves and bark are not edible.
How do you make elderberry tea?
Simmer about 1 tablespoon of dried elderberries in 1 cup of water for about 15 minutes, strain, and sweeten with honey if you like.
How long does homemade elderberry syrup last?
Homemade syrup has no preservatives. Keep it in a clean glass jar in the fridge and use it within about two weeks.
Can children have elderberry syrup?
Do not give honey-sweetened syrup to babies under 1 year old. For children, check with your pediatrician first.
What sizes do CGI-Green dried elderberries come in?
Whole dried elderberries in 4 oz ($18.95), 8 oz ($28.95) and 1 lb ($39.95) bags.
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This article is for general education only and is not medical advice. CGI-Green products are food and dietary supplement products and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, on prescription medication or have an existing health condition.