"Elderberries in the yard and an uncle in Kiev," says as an old Russian proverb. Yes ancient, a French soldier declares, "Your mother was a hamster, and your father smelt of elderberries" in Monty Python and the Holy Grail. All of which offers an indication that elderberries were exceedingly popular. In many areas they still are.
Elderberries are produced on a medium to large, somewhat coarse bush Sambucus nigra. Flowering profusely in early to midsummer with scented cream to white flowers, they are followed by equally generous quantities of berries. While still green these are poisonous. Ripening to juicy and black, birds and knowing people gorge on them.
The classic comestible is elderberry pie, but rural recipes also call for elderberry jelly, elderberry drink, even elderberry chutney. And, of course, elderberry wine--in 18
th century Britain frequently used to adulterate cheap imported red wine to produce an alleged "port."
Those too impatient to await the fruit can find numerous uses for the blossoms: wine, tea, syrup and fritters all have their enthusiasts. While the young shoots in spring may be pickled, the classic
Larousse Gastronomique suggest serving them as
gourilos.
Water derived from elderflowers finds use in the home production of numerous cosmetics, among them cold cream and hand, face and eye lotions, even a men's hair dressing.
Nor is this the end of the utility of this remarkable shrub. The water in which the foliage was boiled was used to dose pigs and the leaves themselves said to make a tobacco substitute. Pitch pushed out of the shoots made fishing floats. The remaining parts were used in toy popguns, even as musical pipes. The fresh leaves and shoots are also an effective fly repellant. Horse owners would tuck a small branch in the harness. Planted around outdoor privies it achieved the same effect.
This does not mean that where the bush is found growing today was once the site of an outdoor toilet. Folklore credited the
Sambucus nigra with a plethora of attributes. Rare was the home, however humble, that failed to have an elderberry bush nearby to protect against lightning--and witches and fairies. Confusingly, some accounts claim that it will bring the blessings of both.
Tolerant of many garden soils, it must be admitted that when not in bloom or berry it has no particular attraction. Except in very large gardens it is best cultured as a background shrub. All is forgiven, however, when the rush is on to beat the birds to harvesting bushels of shiny black berries--whatever French soldiers maintain.
