Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 lbs fresh black elderberries
- 1 lb granulated sugar
- 1 gallon water
- 1 package wine yeast
- 1 teaspoon yeast nutrient
- 1 teaspoon pectic enzyme
- 1 campden tablet
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Fermentation vessel with airlock
- Hydrometer
- Wine bottles and corks
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Rinse the elderberries and remove any stems or leaves.
2. In a large pot, bring the water to a boil and add the elderberries. Simmer for 30 minutes.
3. Strain the elderberry juice through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a fermentation vessel.
4. Add the sugar to the elderberry juice and stir until dissolved.
5. Add the campden tablet, yeast nutrient, and pectic enzyme to the juice and stir well.
6. Allow the juice to cool to room temperature.
7. Sprinkle the wine yeast on top of the juice and stir well.
8. Cover the fermentation vessel with an airlock and let it sit in a cool, dark place for 7-10 days.
9. Use a hydrometer to check the specific gravity of the wine. When it reaches 1.000 or below, the fermentation is complete.
10. Siphon the wine into clean wine bottles and cork them.
11. Store the wine in a cool, dark place for at least 6 months to allow it to age and develop its flavor.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Fermentation time: 7-10 days
Aging time: 6 months
Temperature:
Simmer the elderberries in boiling water. Ferment the wine at room temperature.
Serving size:
This recipe makes approximately 1 gallon of wine, which yields about 5-6 bottles of wine.
Nutritional information:
One serving (5 oz) of elderberry wine contains approximately 130 calories, 0g fat, 0g protein, and 15g carbohydrates.
Substitutions for ingredients:
If fresh elderberries are not available, frozen elderberries can be used instead. If wine yeast is not available, bread yeast can be used as a substitute.
Variations:
For a sweeter wine, increase the amount of sugar used. For a drier wine, decrease the amount of sugar used. Spices such as cinnamon or cloves can be added for additional flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Use a large pot to avoid boiling over when simmering the elderberries.
- Sanitize all equipment before use to prevent contamination.
- Use a hydrometer to ensure the wine has finished fermenting before bottling.
- Allow the wine to age for at least 6 months for best flavor.
Storage instructions:
Store the wine in a cool, dark place such as a wine cellar or basement.
Reheating instructions:
Elderberry wine is typically served at room temperature or slightly chilled. Do not heat the wine as it can alter the flavor.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the wine in a wine glass or decanter. Add a sprig of fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme for a decorative touch.
Garnishes:
Fresh berries or fruit slices can be used as a garnish.
Pairings:
Elderberry wine pairs well with cheese, chocolate, and spicy foods.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve elderberry wine with a charcuterie board or a cheese plate.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the wine does not ferment properly, check the temperature and make sure all equipment is sanitized. If the wine tastes off or has an unusual odor, it may be contaminated and should be discarded.
Food safety advice:
Sanitize all equipment before use to prevent contamination. Do not consume elderberries that have not been cooked as they can be toxic.
Food history:
Elderberry wine has been made for centuries and was traditionally used for medicinal purposes.
Flavor profiles:
Elderberry wine has a rich, fruity flavor with notes of blackberry and plum.
Serving suggestions:
Serve elderberry wine as a dessert wine or as an aperitif.
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