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Elderberry Lore: Part 1 of Everything You Wanted to Know about Sambucus but Were Afraid To Ask

Posted by Elizabeth Farrell on
elderberry recipes

Did you know humans have been eating elderberries on this continent for at least 10,000 years? And even longer elsewhere -- paleobotanists in southwestern China have unearthed seed parts of an Elder species that date back to the Pliocene era, which is estimated to be at least 2.6 million years ago and, possibly, as much as 5.3 million years ago.

Elderberry is global because it grows on many continents, but also truly native, born and grown in the USA. There are many species of Elderberry (Sambucus) in North America, including red, blue, and ornamental types. Native Americans used many parts of the shrub, and we offer two particularly tasty parts: dried elderflowers (occasionally) and Elderberry Apple "Shots"(the pressed berry plus apple syrup) from the edible species, Sambucus Nigra spp. canadensis.

Elderberries are a heritage food. Our grandparents seem to have known more about the plant than we do today. After hearing from hundreds of customers, I've learned that most of you have a vague recollection about Uncle Ed's elderberry wine, some have wonderful memories of picking it with grandma, and a few know elderberries for health-related reasons.

Read more in Part 2 of Elderberry Lore: Everything You Wanted to Know But Were Afraid to Ask".

Click here for the Nutritional Values of Raw Elderberries, compared to blueberries and blackberries.

Click here to buy Elderberry Apple Shots.

Click here to see the complete label of our Elderberry Apple Shots.

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6 comments

  • Liz Farrell on

    We may be carrying elderberry juice in the future. It would make a great base for homemade jelly. It is very bitter and powerful, and is not to everyone’s taste. Most of us need a bit of sweet to balance the elderberry taste.

  • Liz on

    Elderberries, when they are ripe and from an edible variety, are not poisonous. The leaves, stems, roots, bark, seeds, and unripe berries can be poisonous in large quantities, but as you mention, heat will destroy the toxin. Good question!

  • ROSELOU MIETZ on

    Do you carry elderberry juice only.?
    As a child we grew up on elderberry jelly and wine.

  • Lynda on

    I thought elderberries had to be cooked or else they were poisonous?

  • Liz Farrell on

    Yes! Definitely the best Elderberry Syrup around is Fat Stone Farm’s Elderberry Apple Shots!


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