NEW: Elderflower Simple Syrup for fine drinks & desserts. SHOP
FREQUENTLY ASKED
questions
ELDERBERRIES
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What are the health benefits of elderberry?
Elderberries are rich in vitamins, minerals, and powerful antioxidants known as anthocyanins. Occurring naturally and abundantly in elderberries (and giving them their deep purple color) anthocyanins are believed to support immune health, fight cell-damaging free radicals, and help balance blood sugar levels. Anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer benefits may be attributed to them as well. Anthocyanins may also offer protection from many diseases and disorders, namely neurodegenerative and cardiovascular disease.
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Throughout history, elderberry has been recognized for its important health benefits and used as a natural remedy for a variety of ailments; today, studies are supporting age-old beliefs that elderberries really are good for us, and families are increasingly turning to elderberry for immune support and anti-inflammatory benefits.
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*The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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What kind of elderberries are grown on your farm?
Ridge Road Farms grows North American elderberry (Sambucus nigra canadensis), a relative of the European Elder (Sambucus nigra). Our varieties include Bob Gordon, Ranch, Adams, and Wyldewood.
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PRODUCTS
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What's in your Wellness Boost elderberry syrup?
Our Wellness Boost contains cold-pressed elderberry juice, cold pressed-aronia juice, raw honey, Ceylon cinnamon, ginger, elderflower, and cloves (with less than 1% by volume citric acid from cassava root to maintain freshness). We do not add water, sugar, fillers, artificial flavoring, or artificial preservatives.
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Why do you use aronia berry?
We incorporate cold-pressed aronia juice into our recipe because research indicates that it contains an exceptionally high concentration of antioxidants and flavonoids, surpassing even the elderberry on the USDA ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) scale, which quantifies the TAC or total antioxidant capacity of a food.
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How does Wellness Boost elderberry syrup compare to other varieties?
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Because it's made from elderberries grown on our farm in Southeast Iowa, our product -- unlike those imported from Europe -- contributes to a healthy local economy.
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We consistently invest in our rich, Iowa soil to produce elderberries and elderberry products that are naturally more nutrient-dense than wild European berries.
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Our elderberry syrup is naturally sweetened with raw honey; store-bought brands contain inexpensive refined or processed sugars.
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Unlike many brands, Ridge Road Farms' Wellness Boost has absolutely no added water.
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Because we harvest and process the elderberries ourselves, we can verify that they are picked at the height of ripeness, carefully sanitized, and quickly frozen to ensure freshness and safety -- all in less than 24 hours.
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Our berries undergo minimal processing; this translates into maximum nutritional benefit for our customers.
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In addition to elderberry, our Wellness Syrup also utilizes the amazing health benefits of aronia -- a berry with even more immune-boosting anthocyanins than elderberry.
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Our product is far more economical than most store-bought brands when comparing grams of immune-boosting elderberry and aronia per bottle, along with recommended dosages and cost.
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How much Wellness Boost elderberry syrup should be taken by adults?
Our recommended dosage for adults is based on amounts of pure, immune-boosting elderberry and aronia found within. Just one teaspoon of Wellness Boost contains 2000 mg of elderberry plus 2000 mg of aronia, for 4000 total mg of pure, anthocyanin-rich juice (Note: elderberry contains significantly more anthocyanins than blackberries, cranberries, or blueberries, and aronia contains an amount greater still).
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Compare this to the leading national brand whose dosage has been successfully used in clinical studies to treat viral infections; one adult dose (2 tsp) contains 3800 mg of elderberry.
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Note that while elderberry is beneficial for supporting immune health, its components do not cling to tissues, so daily consumption is recommended for maintenance. For intensive use with onset of illness, take 1 to 2 teaspoons four times a day, which may minimize duration and severity of flu and common cold.
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How much Wellness Boost elderberry syrup should be given to children?
Again, our recommended dosage is based on the amounts of pure, immune-boosting elderberry and aronia found within and the recommended dose of the leading national brand, used in clinical studies to treat viral infections (see adult information).
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For children, we recommend half of the adult dose, or 1/2 to 1 tsp (based on size of child) once daily for maintenance, or up to four times daily for intensive use with the onset of illness.
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NOTE: This product is sweetened with honey and should not be given to babies less than 12 months old.
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How should I store Wellness Boost elderberry syrup and how long will it keep?
Once opened, Wellness Boost should be refrigerated, where it will safely keep for approximately two months. If you don't anticipate using the entire bottle in this time frame, consider freezing part of it in small containers or ice cube trays.
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What if I'm not satisfied with your Wellness Boost elderberry syrup?
At Ridge Road Farms, we're committed to providing elderberry products and customer service experiences that reflect our high standards and values. We want you to be completely satisfied with our products, so we'll gladly refund and/or replace any items purchased on our website (cuttings excluded) that do not meet your expectations. All requests must be made within 30 days of purchase. Please email us at ridgeroadfarmsllc@gmail.com if you are not satisfied.
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CUTTINGS
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How should I store / care for / plant elderberry cuttings once I receive them?
Tried and true instructions are included with every order of elderberry cuttings. You may also access a PDF version HERE.
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Are elderberry cuttings guaranteed?
Because we're unable to control all factors associated with the storage and planting of your cuttings, we’re unable to guarantee success; however, we add an extra cutting to every bundle and share detailed instructions with every order. We also encourage you to inspect your cuttings upon arrival and let us know within 72 hours if there is an issue. We’ll make it right if we’ve inadvertently sent you anything less than what our listings describe. Please email us at ridgeroadfarmsllc@gmail.com to report issues.
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SHIPPING
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When can I expect to receive my order?
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Orders will be processed in 1 to 3 business days then shipped via USPS or FedEx, whose stated delivery times are 2-3 business days. A confirmation email with tracking information (USPS Priority Mail and FedEx packages only) will be sent once your order has shipped.
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What should I do if my package is damaged in the mail?
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Orders are carefully packed and inspected before leaving our facility, but occasionally a package may be damaged in transit. Upon receipt of your order, please inspect all products carefully and notify us immediately if any items have been harmed during shipment. Damage claims must be made within 48 hours and must be accompanied by photos of damaged products and packaging. Please email us at ridgeroadfarmsllc.com or call 319.759.4202 to initiate a claim.
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