How to Make Elderberry Wine
The Box Elder is a genus of several small trees and shrubs that grow in both the northern and southern hemispheres. The berries of the Box Elder are a primary food source for many species of birds, but they are mildly poisonous to humans when eaten raw. However, both the berries and the flowers can be used to produce wine and liqueur, as in the case of the Italian made Sambuca. Poet Walt Whitman wrote about his love of Elderberry Wine, and musician Elton John wrote a song simply called "Elderberry Wine." Wine made from fermented elderberries is easy to make, but does require some diligence in separating the berries from the stems that have a sticky layer of wax on them.Easy Elderberry Wine Recipe
5 lbs elderberries, stripped from their stems
1 gallon boiling water
3 lbs granulated sugar
1 wine yeast packet
1 cup chopped raisins
½ cup lemon juice
½ cup orange juice
1 teaspoon yeast nutrient
Place elderberries into a large plastic fermentation container. Add raisins, lemon and orange juices, and 1 teaspoon yeast nutrient. Pour boiling water into container and stir. When cool, squeeze mixture to release juices. Let sit for 24 hours. Add 2 lbs sugar and the wine yeast packet. Stir and cover. Let sit for 3 to 5 days. Strain liquid into a glass fermentation container and add remaining 1 lb of sugar. Stir. Let ferment in dark, warm location for 1 week. Strain into another glass container and let sit for another 6 weeks. Pour into wine bottles and seal. Wine will be ready for consumption in 6 months.
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