Do not consume without verifying with a local plant expert. Many plants (Pokeberry, Water Hemlock, and other berry plants) can confuse people into thinking it is elderberries. Consuming the wrong plant can be very toxic.
What is Elderberries – Many uses, growing conditions, recipes, and propagation.
My elderberries are exploding into dark blue deliciousness. I talk all about the elderberry plant and leave some links below if you are hungry for more:
What is ElderBerries? Or correctly asked, What are Elderberries?
Elderberry is the dark purple berry from the European elder tree.
Elderberry has been used to treat the flu, common cold, high cholesterol, and many other ailments.
Did you know the flowers and berries of the elderberry are loaded with vitamins and antioxidants?
Do YOU grow elderberries? Or have YOU ever used them? I would love to know!
One of our readers sent us information on elderberries:
“
I just got caught up with your latest episodes. I was excited to hear you talk about elderberries. Purple berries have been my mission for the past couple of years, and I have a couple of rows of elderberries in my young orchard here in central Kansas. You mentioned that you have problems destemming the berries, and I have learned from much wiser people than myself to freeze the whole bunch for a couple of days and then tease them off the stem with a fork. I miss a lot of the tiny stems but they are not noticeable once cooked.
Happy Growing, and keep up the good work,
Drew from Kansas”
Here is an excellent video on what are Elderberries.
Recipes with elderberries
A tart, fruit-based drink is known as a timeworn term for a beverage made from the berries of an elder tree. Its strong flavor provides a perfect energizer for sparkling water.
Ingredients:
Two cups of elderberries are combined with 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of red wine vinegar, and 4 cups of water.
Directions:
Pour the elderberries, sugar, and water into a pan over medium heat. Bring to a boil. Once the sugar is dissolved, turn down the heat and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in vinegar and bring to another boil. Turn down the heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Cool completely. Strain through a sieve or a strainer. Pour liquid into a cup, pressing on the berries to extract the juice.
You now have the option to either drink fresh sparkling water or add sparkling water into your home refrigerator for up to one year and consume it whenever you’d like. This is just one of those recipes that includes the amount of sparkling water you will add to the elderberry shrub based on your preference.
Is dried elderberry edible?
The seeds of elderberries contain a glycoside that is known to cause a buildup of cyanide in the physical body. Cooking elderberries eliminates this hazard to make them suitable.
As far as I’m aware, the dried elderberries were usually used to make a sauce called sauco. Only fully ripe berries should be consumed, and once again, cooking the berries destroys the glycosides contained in the seeds that can lead to stomach upset.
Mature leaves or stems and unripe or uncooked elderberries are possibly unsafe to consume. Cooking the elderberry produces it safe, but the raw and unripe fruit could lead to vomiting, nausea, or severe diarrhea. For more information, visit webmd.com
In conclusion, elderberry is a delicious, healthy fruit that can be enjoyed in many ways. It is also a powerful antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties, making it an excellent natural remedy for many common ailments. Elderberry is a great option if you are looking for a tasty way to boost your health. Just make sure to use only cooked ripe elderberry.
Avoid consuming green, unripe, uncooked elderberries. They have toxins and can be poisonous. Please use caution and don’t consume if you have any questions. If you consume, use a small amount to see if you have a reaction, and always consult a doctor to avoid any interaction issues with other medications. It is always best to error on the side of caution, and You Can Homestead advises you never eat a wild plant without checking with a local expert first.