Montana Fare
Elderberries
The flowers of Sambucus nigra are used to produce elderflower cordial. The French, Austrians and Central Europeans
produce elderflower syrup, commonly made from an extract of elderflower blossoms, which is added to Palatschinken filling instead of blueberries. People throughout much of Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe use a similar method to
make a syrup which is diluted with water and used as a drink. Based on this syrup, Fanta markets a soft drink variety called
"Shokata"which is sold in 15 countries worldwide. In the United States, this French elderflower syrup is used to make a
French liqueur. The Italian liqueur Sambuca is flavored with oil obtained from the elderflower.
In Germany, yoghurt desserts are made with both the berries and the flowers.
Wines, cordials and marmalade have been produced from the berries or flowers. Fruit pies and relishes are produced
with berries. In Italy and Germany, the umbels of the elderberry are batter coated, fried and then served as a dessert or a
sweet lunch with a sugar and cinnamon topping. In Germany, the dish is known as "Hollerküchel".
In Romania, a slightly fermented soft beverage (called "socata" or "suc de soc") is traditionally produced by letting the
flowers macerate, with water, yeast and lemon for 2-3 days. A similar drink is produced in the UK, but in this case the last
stage of fermentation is allowed to proceed in a closed pressure proof bottle to give a fizzy drink called elderflower champagne.
Black elderberry has been used medicinally for hundreds of years. Some preliminary studies demonstrate that elderberry may have a measurable effect in treating the flu, alleviating allergies, and boosting overall respiratory health.
Elder is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, dissolved in wine, for rheumatism and traumatic injury
Folklore is extensive and can be wildly conflicting depending on region. In some areas, the "elder tree" was supposed
to ward off evil influence and give protection from witches, while other beliefs say that witches often congregate under the
plant, especially when it is full of fruit. In some regions, superstition, religious belief, or tradition prohibits the cutting of
certain trees for bonfires, most notably in witchcraft customs the elderberry tree; "Elder be ye Lady's tree, burn it not or
cursed ye'll be" – A rhyme from the Wiccan rede, “If an elder tree was cut down, a spirit known as the Elder Mother would
be released and take her revenge. The tree could only safely be cut while chanting a rhyme to the Elder Mother.”
The most powerful wand in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is made of sambucus and known as the "Elder
Wand."
Elton John released a song in 1973 called Elderberry Wine. (Lyrics: Bernie Taupin, music Elton John)
The Rolling Stones released a song in 1974 called "Till the Next Goodbye" on the "It's Only rock 'n Roll" which features the line, "You give me a cure-all from New Orleans/Now that's a recipe I sure do need./Some cider vinegar and some
elderberry wine/could cure all your ills but it can't kill mine."
The plot of the stage play and film Arsenic and Old Lace revolves around a pair of spinsters who murder men by serving them elderberry wine adulterated with cyanide, arsenic, and strychnine.
Western Gal Speak
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