How to Extract Elderberry Juice

For centuries, people throughout North America, Europe, Western Asia and North Africa have used Sambucus nigra, or elderberry, as an herbal remedy for a variety of ailments. Elderberry is valued for its antioxidant qualities and is used to boost the immune system to treat colds, flu, and bacterial and viral infections. Bioflavonoids and other proteins in the juice help prevent cold and flu viruses from infecting cells. In Panama in 1995, elderberry juice was used to treat a flu pandemic.

Things You'll Need

• Elderberries
• Medium assorted containers
• Large non-reactive cooking pot (clay, enamel, stainless steel, etc.)
• Fine mesh sieve
• Large spoon

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Instructions

• 1

  Wash the berries and sort through to ensure all stems are removed.

• 2

  Place the berries in a non-reactive pot and fill with water. The ratio of berries to water should be around 2:1.

• 3

  Bring the water and berries to a boil over medium heat, but do not let the berries boil over. Once boiled, reduce heat and let simmer for 10 minutes, then remove from heat. Cover the pot and let stand overnight.

• 4

  Strain elderberry juice through a mesh sieve into containers. With a spoon, mash the pulp that is left in the sieve to squeeze out remaining juice. Discard berries.