Elderberries (Sambucus nigra L.)—also known as European Black Elderberry—are renowned for their deep ruby-purple pigment, vibrant tartness, and complex, dark fruit character. Dried whole elderberries provide a rich blend of earthy jammy tones, woodsy aromatics, subtle floral undertones, and natural astringency.
Sensory Profile & Characteristics
- Flavour: Tart, earthy, and grounded dark fruit (blackcurrant, blackberry, and plum) with a balanced berry acidity.
- Aroma: Woodsy, herbal, and lightly floral with deep jammy top notes.Visual Contribution: Intense deep violet to vibrant dark red hues driven by high natural anthocyanin content.
- Mouthfeel & Structure: Provides natural tannins and structure, adding weight and body to liquids.
Form:
- Whole Berries Dried
Pack Sizes:
- 100g
- 1Kg (SAVE 39% OFF 100g Price)
- 5 Kg (SAVE 16% OFF 1Kg Price)
- 25 Kg Sack (SAVE 28% OFF 1Kg Price)
Common Names:
- European Black Elderberry or Elderberries or Elderberry
Botanical Name:
- Sambucus nigra L.
1. Distilling & Spirits
Elderberries are a prized botanical among distillers for adding depth, heart-note grounding, and natural color.
Gin Distillation
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Heart Botanical: Acts as a grounding mid-note in gin recipes, filling the gap between top-note citrus/florals and base-note roots like angelica or orris.
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Flavor Pairing: Pairs exceptionally well with resinous, piney juniper (such as Macedonian juniper). When distilled together, elderberries soften raw juniper bite and give a rich forest-fruit complexity.
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Complementary Botanicals: Lemon and orange peel, coriander seed, cinnamon, ginger, and rose.
Infusions & Liqueurs
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Maceration & Vapor Infusion: When macerated directly in high-proof spirits (vodka, gin, rum, or brandy), dried elderberries rapidly release a striking deep red-purple hue and rich dark-berry notes.
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Fruit Liqueurs: Serves as a base for dark fruit liqueurs, dark berry gins, and spiced digestifs when combined with honey or simple syrup.
2. Brewing & Beverage Industry
Craft Beer & Fermentation
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Sour Ales & Farmhouse Styles: Added during secondary fermentation or boil to supply natural tartness, fruit acidity, and vibrant ruby coloration.
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Stouts & Porters: Enhances dark chocolate and roasted malt notes with subtle jammy fruit character and extra body.
Cider, Mead & Wine
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Melomels & Fruit Wines: A traditional favorite for craft mead makers (melomels) and winemakers, contributing acidity, rich berry character, and deep crimson color.
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Hard Cider: Blended with apple juice to produce complex "black cider" styles with balanced astringency and berry tartness.
Non-Alcoholic & Functional Beverages
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Kombucha & Fermented Tea: Excellent secondary fermentation botanical for kombucha, creating a tart berry profile and micro-bubble head retention.
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RTD Mocktails & Teas: Provides sophistication to non-alcoholic adult beverages through complex dark fruit and floral notes without relying on added sugars.
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Wellness Shots & Tonics: Widely used in functional wellness beverages, immune-support shots, and botanical teas.
3. Food Industry & Food Manufacturing
Natural Colorant & Functional Ingredient
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Anthocyanin Richness: Serves as a clean-label, plant-based natural red-to-purple food colorant, replacing artificial dyes in candy, jellies, and beverages.
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Antioxidant Properties: High in polyphenols, bioflavonoids, and vitamins (C and E), appealing to health-conscious consumers looking for functional foods.
Culinary & Confectionery Applications
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Jams, Syrups & Preserves: Natural pectin and acid content make elderberry a staple in artisan syrups, pie fillings, jams, and compotes.
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Gummies & Nutraceuticals: Primary ingredient base for natural functional gummies and wellness supplements.
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Savory Glazes & Culinary Sauces: Pairs well with wild game, duck, steak, and roasted meats when reduced with red wine, balsamic vinegar, or brown sugar.
Country of Origin:
- Poland
Batch Analysis:
- Batch: P432244 Best Before 23-JAN-2028