ASHBOLT Elderberry Syrup – Elixir of the Angels™
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We are proud to announce our latest product in our range of gourmet elder products – the new ASHBOLT Elderberry Syrup. Like all ASHBOLT products, Our Elderberry Syrup (also called Elderberry Concentrate or Elderberry Glaze) is a stunning rich ruby-red syrup with a deep molasses berry flavour. ASHBOLT Elderberry contains no additives, artificial flavours, colourings or preservatives.
Elderberry Benefits
Historically, both elderflowers and elderberries were considered to assist in building immune system resistance and to assist in the prevention of colds and flu.
A recent Norwegian study has shown that elderberry juice (Sambucus nigra) not only stimulates the immune system, but also directly inhibits the influenza virus. The trials used the juice of the berries, made into a syrup, and was considered effective in most of the same conditions as the elderflower tea.
The active ingredients in the elderberry were found to halt the spread of the virus by disarming the enzyme responsible for attacking the cell walls of a healthy organism.
The study, which was reported in The Journal of International Medical Research, showed that on average, flu patients given the elderberry extract recovered within 3.1 days compared to 7.1 days for those given the placebo. As proof that elder has more to it than the enzyme-neutralizing constituents, researchers found that the patients who took it also had higher levels of antibodies against the flu virus.
A previous study published by The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that nearly 90 per cent of flu patients given elderberry extract were completely free of symptoms within two to three days, as compared to at least six days with a placebo.
Elderberry has been proven effective against eight different influenza viruses. The study indicated that it may provide protection against a wide range of flu viruses, solving the perennial problem of the ‘mutating flu’, because most strains of the virus use the same enzyme mechanism to penetrate cells. Elder preparations may be superior to flu shots for another reason: 50% of people who get vaccinated report side effects.
Whilst the properties of elders have long been touted, it is not intended that it be taken as a substitute for a flu vaccine.
However, it does have the benefit of being mild, safe and has a fabulous taste and can be safely given to young children, as it does not contain alcohol or preservatives found in over-the-counter cough medications.
Very high in Vitamin A and C and bioflavinoids, elderberry syrup may be taken as a prophylactic against winter colds. The diuretic and anti-inflammatory activity of elderberries helps explain its use in rheumatic and arthritic conditions. They have a long-established effect in regulating bowel activity, moderating extremes of diarrhoea and constipation.
The wide range of medicinal benefits (assistance in treating colds, flu and asthma, allergies, diabetes and weight loss) is possibly due to the elderberry’s high anti-oxidant properties and capacity to build the immune system.
If taking for colds and flu, consume ASHBOLT Elderberry Syrup neat, or mix one teaspoon in soda or hot water to taste. Take a little every hour or so until the worst symptoms of the cold pass, then as often as you wish. If in any doubt, please consult your doctor.
ASHBOLT Elderberry in the Kitchen
Its greatest attribute in the kitchen is the intensity of colour and flavour it brings to any dish:
• as a glaze in the final stage of cooking roast meats – duck, lamb, beef, pork etc
• as an accompaniment to meat – best exhibited on a white plate to display its glowing colour
• drizzled on desserts – cheesecakes, icecream, yoghurt
• drizzle on fresh fruit – strawberries, raspberries etc; on pancakes or crepes
• in a sorbet or jelly; with apple or pear in an elderberry syrup tart or serve with apple crumble.
In non-alcoholic drinks:
• take neat with crushed ice
• with warm water (mix to taste) for a high anti-oxidant pick-me-up – add fresh cloves or ginger if desired;
• add to soda or mineral water.
With alcohol
• swirl in a cocktail with sparkling wine
• add to gin, vodka, brandy or Campari – add soda water or tonic water as desired.
• Create your own recipes or look to English or Continental European cookbooks for elderberry favourites.