Growing up elderberries were a part of our life. Elderberry pie was my Dad’s favorite pie. We scoured roadsides for elderberry bushes and got excited when it was elderberry season. I seem to remember my Mom getting poison ivy from an elderberry adventure. I used homemade elderberry jelly on toast. And one year, the elderberry jelly didn’t set. This new creation, which we called elderberry syrup, meant we could enjoy elderberry milkshakes.
With a childhood rooted in all things elderberry, whenever I see something elderberry I want to try it. My favorite tea shop, McNulty’s, has elderberry herbal tea. I had to try it.
I love it. It smells so sweet and fruity. The taste is not as sweet as the smell but still delicious. It brings back my childhood memories with every sip. I have a friend who is planning to use some of this tea to make a fun iced tea this summer. When I hear a report back on that, I’ll let you know. Overall, I’m huge fan of all things elderberry including this tea.
I grew up with elderberries too and hate them. It was my dad’s favorite pie as well. Before we were married he convinced Bob how great they were. We cut and shelled them for the anticipated pie. I wish you could have seen Bob’s face when he tasted it for the first time. He didn’t like it either. I defineitely had the last laugh. Don’t think I will be trying any elderberry tea.
Miss you and hope you are doing well!!
Pat,
I don’t know if I ever tried my Grandma’s elderberry pie. It was always Dad’s favorite. And Grandma made everyone their favorite pie so why would I eat Dad’s elderberry pie when there was pumpkin pie!
I can picture Bob’s face as he bit into the elderberry pie for the first time. What a great memory even if it left a bad taste in his mouth!
-Susannah
My mother reminded me that I forgot to mention elderberry wine. In December 2004, my family and closest friend assembled for an early Christmas and my installation at my first church. It was a great weekend together. My sister brought a bottle of elderberry wine from her local winery. And the short ending to the story is that it was horrible! So, I do not love all things elderberry, but if it is an elderberry product I will probably give it!