7 Delicious Elderberry Recipes for Your Cafe's Menu

When setting a new cafe, dinner or beverage menu, you want to add an item that can bring a new splash of flavor to generate interest from potential customers. While there are many routes you can take to incorporate new flavors into your menu, what if you leaned on a superfood to make your spread more super?

Introducing: The Elderberry

MODERN TRENDS AND HISTORY OF ELDERBERRY USES

While you might have relied on this berry and its various forms a time or two when suffering from a runny nose or achy throat, you may not have considered the elderberry as a way to punch up your culinary or mixology endeavors. It has a growing interest in the food and beverage sector. Elderberry inclusion across the industry increased by 124% in 2021 (according to ​​Lillianna Byington of FoodDive.com), as it surpassed its medicinal reputation to become a viable ingredient in everyday dishes and drinks.

The elderberry has been used in various food and beverages due to its delicious flavor. It’s versatile and can pair well with other herbs, and it brings a deep purple color to whatever drink or dish you add it to. So, let’s dive into some elderberry recipe ideas to see how it can add some wow factor to your updated menu.

TASTY ELDERBERRY IDEAS TO CONSIDER FOR YOUR CAFE

1. PANCAKES WITH ELDERBERRY SYRUP
There’s nothing like carving into a stack of warm flapjacks for breakfast or brunch. Elderberry syrup is a great way to pack nutrients into a tasty topping. You can sell elderberry syrup’s place at the breakfast table due to its simple, wholesome ingredients. This syrup is the perfect low-sugar alternative to traditional maple or table syrup, according to Trisha Calvo in an article by ConsumerReports.org. For an added level of flavor, pair it with spiced pancakes.

2. ELDERBERRY SHRUB COCKTAIL
The shrub cocktail has had a resurgence in the last decade due to the rise in popularity of kombucha and other fermented fruit drinks. Our version of the shrub lets the nutrient-rich elderberry take center stage with apple cider vinegar to produce a distinctly tangy flavor. You can add the shrub to cocktails and mocktails for a delicious beverage that will turn heads with its deep indigo color.

3. GOURMET PEANUT BUTTER AND ELDERBERRY JELLY
This healthy twist on a lunchtime classic lets your customers try their favorite sandwich in a new way. If your customers are conscious of locally-sourced ingredients, you can make whole-grain bread from a local bakery as the base of your sandwich. Then, you can combine the sweetness of house-made elderberry jelly and peanut butter to deliver a tasty take on the deli favorite.

4. IMMUNE-BOOSTING PROTEIN SMOOTHIE WITH ELDERBERRY
The rising demand for high-protein meal options, discussed thoroughly in Food & Beverage Insider’s article by Katie Verlaan, makes the protein smoothie an excellent offering for patrons who want a filling option to go. Adding nutrient-rich elderberry syrup to a berry-themed protein shake can give it a nice tangy taste, add color and fortify the beverage with antioxidants. This option will be a hit with health-conscious consumers as they look for ways to incorporate more botanicals into their daily routine without extensive meal planning.

5. ELK WITH ENGLISH PONTACK SAUCE
If you’re looking for a fine dining option, elk steak or other game meat with an English Pontack Sauce can add a European flair to your menu. English Pontack Sauce, also known as elderberry ketchup, has been an excellent pairing with game meats for over three centuries. It provides a level of fruity spice that can bolster the flavoring of various meat dishes.

6. BERRY BOOST TEA WITH ELDERBERRY
The berry boost tea with elderberry is a perfect addition to your hot drink lineup. This elderberry tea is a great option for those who want a warm beverage without caffeine and a companion to a berry pastry or scone. Plus, you can present the medicinal benefits of the tea to health-conscious consumers as a value-add to its delicious taste.

7. ELDERBERRY PIE
Finally, what better way to round out your menu than with a pie that utilizes our featured superfood? Elderberry pie (specific recipe by Esther Kenagy) is a sweet way to introduce this healthy berry to your customers. Whether you add the classic dessert as a seasonal option or a full-time staple, you can combine this immune-boosting fruit with other berries, like blueberries and blackberries, to create a new customer favorite.

BUYING ELDERBERRIES IN BULK FROM A TRUSTED SUPPLIER

No matter how you decide to incorporate elderberries into your new menu, it’s essential to find a supplier who can provide you with top-quality ingredients and customer service. The team at the Monterey Bay Herb Co. can do just that! We offer high-quality culinary herbs and spices in bulk quantities.

Have questions about our offerings? Visit the contact page to get in touch with one of the members of our friendly and knowledgeable customer service staff. Head to our Herbal Insights page for more tips and information about ways you can make the most of herbs and spices.