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== Uses of elder ==
== Uses of elder ==


Elder flowers can be used to make cordials and liqueurs.
Elder flowers can be used to make cordials and liqueurs. The flowers can be steeped in drinks and added to fruit salad or other salads.
 
The berries can be stewed for dessert. Berries are also used in cordials and liqueurs or added to vinegar.


== Sources and citations ==
== Sources and citations ==

Revision as of 06:47, 23 April 2016

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Elder (Sambucus nigra) is a deciduous bushy shrub that is also treated as a herb.

Description

Elder leaves are light green in colour.

The elder flowers in clusters, in the early summer. The flowers are scented sweetly.

Berries form and ripen within six to eight weeks.

Growing elder

Elder can be grown from nursery-bought saplings or propagated from cuttings. If using cuttings, take the cuttings when pruning, in the later winter or early spring seasons.

Place good quality cuttings into moist, rich soil to root. Place in a sunny situation if possible. If you wish to use the flowers and berries, grow at least a few trees, in order to get a decent harvest.

Harvesting elder

Pick the flowers when every single sprig has come into bloom, not before. That way you'll get as many flowers as possible. Be careful when you pick, as the flowers crush easily and can bruise if brushed heavily.

Pick the berries when they are ripe.


Uses of elder

Elder flowers can be used to make cordials and liqueurs. The flowers can be steeped in drinks and added to fruit salad or other salads.

The berries can be stewed for dessert. Berries are also used in cordials and liqueurs or added to vinegar.

Sources and citations


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