Elderberry, scientific name, Sambucus canadensis, AKA American Elder, is a partially self-fruiting bush berry plant that is considered poisonous, though its toxicity levels are considered low if eaten. Unripe berries and foliage are specifically considered toxic, though if cooked all toxic compounds are eliminated. As elderberries are generally a wild fruit plant, little cultivation, breeding has been done to improve the plant, though there are a handful of different cultivars to choose from for home gardening. Most elderberry plants are grown for ornamental and edible landscape use. Commercially, elderberries are used as a jam and the flowers of the plant are utilized for infusing alcohol to create liqueur and wine.

The tapioca pearl-sized deep purple elderberries grow in clusters, stemming from branches. The fruits have an appearance of micro sized blueberries, though, unlike a blueberry, their flavors are simply not mellow nor sweet. The elderberry has the distinctly tart and acidic flavor of a wild berry, perhaps an inherent defense mechanism. Although the fruit can be eaten raw, cooking elderberries mellows the fruit's flavor and has been the singular method used to make this tart fruit considered edible.

Nutritional Value

Elderberries have high levels of Vitamin C. In extract form, the elderberry has been proven effective in fighting Avian flu as it is rich in antioxidants that support the body's immune system and fight free radicals.

Serving Ideas

Elderberries are best suited for cooked and processed applications as they bring out their best culinary attributes. Complimentary companion ingredients include brown sugar, dates, dried figs, maple syrup, fresh bramble berries, fresh and cooked stone fruits, roasted nuts, foie gras, scallops, vanilla, white wines, tawny ports, coffee and chocolate.

Geography/History

The elderberry plant is native to North America. Plants grow wild from Northern Mexico to British Columbia. They thrive in moist soil along stream banks, river banks, in slopes and canyons or in openings within forest habitats with warm sunny days. Although, the raw plant is considered poisonous to ingest as humans, the elderberry plant serves as food for the wild, including birds, squirrels, elk, deer and bears. It is also planted as agricultural cover crop and food for livestock, including goats, sheep and cattle.

Seasons/Availability

The elderberry is available during late summer into early fall.