Can You Freeze Elderberries? (Or Elderberry Juice?)

Last updated on September 22nd, 2022 at 02:22 am

Elderberries are the fruit of the Sambucus tree. This tree produces small cream or white flowers called elderflowers and bunches of small black or blue berries. 

It is believed that elderberries help to boost the immune system to help your body fight colds, respiratory infections, and the flu. The fruit of the Sambucus tree is ripe in the later summer months. 

Tangy elderberries can be turned into delicious jams, juice, syrup, and wine. If you find yourself with a bunch of extra elderberries you might be wondering if you can freeze them or the elderberry juice. 

You can freeze elderberries but it will take some time to do it properly. You can also freeze elderberry juice. 

When you are preparing elderberries to freeze you will want to make sure that you remove all of the stems and seeds, as these parts of the plant are poisonous and can make you very sick. 

After you have picked your elderberries, you will want to thoroughly wash the berries and allow them to air dry. After your berries have been washed and dried you will need to remove the stems. 

Since the berries are so small this part can be a little tedious. While you are removing the berries from the stems you will want to go ahead and check them for damage and throw out any berries that are beginning to spoil. 

Next you will need to flash freeze your elderberries. To flash freeze them you will need a baking sheet that has been lined with parchment paper. 

Place the berries on the lined baking sheet and spread them out evenly. Place the berry filled baking tray into the freezer, be careful not to tip it over and spill your berries. 

Leave the baking sheet in the freezer for thirty minutes. Now you can transfer the elderberries into freezer safe plastic bags. 

Flash freezing the berries first will help prevent clumping so that you can easier remove the number of berries that you want later on. 

Label each plastic bag with the contents and dates that you placed them in the freezer. Remove all the excess air from the bag to help prevent freezer burn. 

Elderberries will stay good in the freezer for six to ten months. If you want to freeze elderberry juice all you need is a freezer safe container. Make sure that you leave a few inches of room at the top of the container as the juice will expand as it freezes. 

Seal the container tightly before placing it in the freezer. Once you thaw the elderberry juice you will want to use it within two weeks.

Can You Juice Elderberries?

Elderberries make a delicious juice that is full of antioxidants that can help boost your immune system. Elderberry juice is toxic when consumed raw. 

You can juice elderberries but you won’t be able to use a juicer to do it. You will need to cook your elderberries to juice them, as raw elderberry juice is very toxic. 

First you will want to wash the elderberries and remove all of the stems. With the berries removed from the stems you will then place them into a pot. 

Add about a half of an inch of water to the pot and bring it to a rapid boil. You will need to vigorously stir the berries. Then place a lid over the pot and allow the berries to simmer for five to ten minutes. 

Strain the berries through a fine mesh strainer and allow to cool. Now you have elderberry juice or syrup.

How Long Can You Freeze Elderberry Syrup?

If you have used some elderberries and made elderberry syrup you will want to know how long you can freeze it for. 

Elderberry syrup can be stored in the fridge for two to three months. Elderberry syrup can be kept in the freezer for up to six months. 

You can freeze elderberry syrup in a mason jar. Make sure that you leave some room at the top of the jar for the syrup to expand as it freezes. 

When you defrost your elderberry syrup you will have a lot to use. So, if you only want a little elderberry syrup at a time the best way to freeze it will be to use ice cube trays or even silicone candy molds. 

Allow your elderberry syrup to cool then fill your silicone molds or ice cube trays. Once the elderberry syrup has frozen solid you can remove it from the trays and place them into a freezer safe container or freezer safe plastic bag. 

Remove all the air from the plastic bag and label it with the contents and date. If you are using a freezer safe container, try to use one that is the correct size so you save room in your freezer.

What Is Elderberry Juice Good For?

For hundreds of years elderberries have been used in home remedies and for its health benefits. The first mention of elderberries dates back to Hippocrates in 400 BC who referred to the Elder tree as his “medicine chest”. 

Elderberries are full of antioxidants and vitamins which help boost your immune system. Elderberries have been used to treat a wide assortment of ailments such as constipation, muscle pain, fever, headaches, kidney problems, epilepsy, and to help treat minor skin problems. 

Elderberries are also an excellent source of fiber which is why it is used to help treat constipation.

Are There Side Effects To Elderberry Syrup?

Many people recommend elderberry syrup to help boost your immune system as well to help regulate your bowel movements. There are supplements that can be purchased over the counter that are made with elderberries but are there side effects that you should keep an eye out for? 

Common side effects of elderberries are stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, runny nose, and diarrhea. If you experience numbness, dizziness, confusion, severe weakness, or severe and ongoing vomiting and diarrhea you will need to stop use of elderberry and call your doctor immediately. 

Seek emergency medical help if you experience hives, swelling of your lips, tongue, or face, or difficulty breathing. 

While elderberries do have health benefits some people do react poorly to it. So, seek advice from a doctor before you start using elderberry syrup to make sure that it is right for you.