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Elderberry Questions, Answered
Plain answers about elderberries, our syrup, and how families use it, from the Walker family kitchen in southern Indiana.
Whether you are brand new to elderberry or restocking the fridge, this page gathers the questions we hear most often. If you can't find yours here, call or email us and a member of our family will answer.
About Elderberries
Elderberry is the small, dark purple fruit of the elder shrub, known botanically as Sambucus. Families have cooked it into syrups, jams, teas, and pies for generations. We use certified organic European elderberries most of the year, plus a limited run of American elderberries grown on our own farm in late summer and early fall.
Learn more: American vs European Elderberries — What’s the Difference
Elderberry is a traditional food that many families make part of their daily wellness routine. It is naturally rich in flavonoids, the same group of plant compounds found in other dark berries, and many people simply love its deep, fruity flavor. It works best alongside the basics: good sleep, hand washing, and regular care from your doctor.
Learn more: Elderberry for Cold and Flu Season, Your Family’s Action Plan
No. Raw elderberries should not be eaten. They need to be cooked, both for safety and to bring out their best, which is exactly what we do with every batch of syrup. If you buy our dried elderberries, cook them into syrup or tea at home before enjoying them.
Learn more: How to Make Elderberry Syrup from Dried Berries
They are close cousins. European elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is the species most elderberry syrups are made from, while American elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) is native to North America. Our seasonal farm-grown batch uses American berries, and the rest of the year we use certified organic European berries.
Learn more: American vs European Elderberries — What’s the Difference
Our Elderberry Syrup
Filtered water, organic elderberries, organic Ceylon cinnamon, organic ginger root, organic cloves, and your choice of sweetener: local raw honey, local maple syrup, or glycerin. We also make a version with no sweetener at all. Every batch is brewed slowly in small batches by our family.
Learn more: How to Read an Elderberry Syrup Label
Plenty. Each bottle holds the equivalent of more than half a pound of fresh elderberries, simmered down into a rich, concentrated syrup.
Learn more: Shop Elderberry Syrup
Our syrup comes in original (raw honey), low-honey, maple, low-carb (sweetened with glycerin), and just elderberry with no sweetener. Honey and maple are also available in shelf-stable versions. Options vary by bottle size, so check each product page for what is currently available.
Learn more: Elderberry Syrup Sweeteners Compared — Honey, Maple, Glycerin, and Unsweetened
Choose a honey-free formulation. Our maple syrup is the one we label infant friendly. Honey of any kind is not recommended for babies under 12 months old, and we suggest checking with your pediatrician before introducing any new food.
Learn more: Elderberry Syrup Sweeteners Compared — Honey, Maple, Glycerin, and Unsweetened
Many families share elderberry syrup with their children. As with any new food, check with your pediatrician first and follow the serving directions on your bottle's label. For babies under one, choose a honey-free formulation such as our maple syrup.
Please check with your doctor before adding elderberry to your routine if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.
Most families take a spoonful a day as part of their wellness routine, straight from the spoon or stirred into tea, sparkling water, or yogurt. Many increase to a few spoonfuls a day during the winter season. Check your bottle's label for serving suggestions by age.
Learn more: How Many Servings Are in a Bottle of Elderberry Syrup
An 8 oz bottle holds 48 teaspoon servings, and a 16 oz bottle holds 96. Choose the size your household will finish while it is still fresh.
Learn more: How Many Servings Are in a Bottle of Elderberry Syrup
Both have their place. Ready-made syrup is the quickest way to keep elderberry on hand. Our DIY Elderberry Kit and dried elderberries suit families who enjoy making their own and want full control over the sweetener.
Learn more: DIY Elderberry Syrup Kit and Everything You Need to Get Started
Syrup is the most flexible form. You can take it by the spoon, cook with it, or even turn it into homemade gummies by adding gelatin. If you choose store-bought gummies, check the label to see how much elderberry each serving actually contains.
Learn more: Ways to Use Elderberry Syrup Beyond the Spoon
Keep our refrigerated syrups in the coldest part of your fridge. Shelf-stable bottles can stay in the pantry until opened, then go in the fridge. Pour out a spoonful rather than drinking from the bottle to help it stay fresh.
Learn more: How Long Elderberry Syrup Lasts and How to Store It
Teas, Tinctures, and Dried Berries
Our herbal elderberry blends are caffeine-free. Some blends, such as our Cranberry Orange with Elderberry Black Tea, use a black tea base and do contain caffeine, so always check the label.
Learn more: Elderberry Tea Benefits and Why a Daily Cup Belongs in Your Fall Routine
It is the same berry in three formats. Syrup is quick and easy to take every day, tea is a warm and gentle ritual, and a tincture is compact and easy to travel with. Many families keep more than one on hand.
Learn more: Elderberry Syrup, Tea, or Tincture — Which One Suits Your House
Dried elderberries are the base for homemade elderberry syrup and tea. Simmer them in water, strain out the berries, and stir in your sweetener once the liquid has cooled. Our step-by-step guide covers the safety steps most recipes leave out.
Learn more: How to Make Elderberry Syrup from Dried Berries
Stir it into yogurt or oatmeal, use it as a glaze or marinade for meats, freeze it into popsicles, or add gelatin to make homemade gummies. Traditional cookbooks include everything from elderberry soup to pancake syrup, so don't be shy about experimenting.
Learn more: Ways to Use Elderberry Syrup Beyond the Spoon
About Abby's Elderberry
The Walker family. Every batch is brewed in small batches and packed by hand on our family farm in southern Indiana, and we are proud members of Indiana Grown.
Learn more: Our Story
Order direct from our website for delivery to all 50 states, or find us at local farms, natural shops, buying clubs, markets, and select Kroger and Jay C stores. Our Where to Find page lists current stockists.
Learn more: Where to Find Us
Our Contact page covers subscriptions, wholesale, the affiliate program, and why your package may say Walker Family Homestead. You can also reach us directly using the details below.
Learn more: Contact Us
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This page is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.