Elderberry Vinegar Cozy Cabin

Unlike the typical elderberry syrups on the market, which use imported, dried elderberries that have been sitting on a shelf for who knows how long, this vinegar uses fresh, US grown elderberries.

Using the juice of fresh berries makes this vinegar concentrated with all of the beneficial compounds elder has to offer. Also unlike traditional syrups, which are boiled for an hour or more, this elderberry vinegar has seen minimal heat treatment, as heat rapidly destorys the anthocyanins and vitamin c present in elderberries.

Raw, organic apple cider vinegar pressed from US grown apples makes up the body of this elixir. I've chosen to use vinegar, rather than water for a multitude of reasons. First, raw apple cider vinegar has health benefits of it's own. It also lends a longer shelf life. Most elderberry syrups are only good for 2 months at best, while this one will last 6 months or more. Using vinegar also allows me to keep the sugar content low. Most syrups are 50% sweetener, and while they are delicious, that much sugar isn't always helpful. Finally, vinegar is great at extracting minerals from herbs, so you can trust that you're getting a whole bunch of goodness in each spoonful.

Contrary to popular recommendation, you shouldn't take elderberry as a daily tonic to prevent illness. Elderberry is a powerful immune stimulant, and an overstimulated immune system is counterproductive.

Instead, reach for this vinegar anytime you want to nourish and stimulate your immune system like after travel or large gatherings, or when you feel an illness coming on. Also incorporate it into your regular diet because it tastes amazing and is full of antioxidants. This is wonderful drizzled over slow roasted meats or veggies, or as the base for a salad dressing. It is also great added to tea, juice or sparkling water, or even poured over vanilla ice-cream, the way you would with a good balsamic.

Cozy Cabin is filled with warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom. This gives it a lovely fall flavor similar to mulled wine.

Garden Herb has lots of fresh sage, lemon thyme and tulsi - these herbs carry antiviral properties and offer fresh, herbaceous notes.