What is an Elderberry?
Elderberries grow on every continent except Antarctica, and have been used and consumed for generations. They are small, dark berries which grow on tall shrubs in clusters, and range in color from red to almost black. Modern nurseries grow and sell ornamental elderberries which don't grow fruit.
History of Humans and Elderberries
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.
There are many species of Elderberry (Sambucus) in North America, but the berries aren't sold in stores because they are highly perishable and have several seeds inside each berry which make fresh eating unpleasant. Native Americans used many parts of the shrub.
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 many customers have a vague recollection about "Uncle Ed's elderberry wine", some have wonderful memories of "picking it with grandma by the side of the road", and others of elderberry jelly or pies. The more modern experience of elderberries for their health-related benefits.
Why Are Elderberry Products Popular Now?
Elderberries gained traction recently in the swine flu year (2009-2010) when more people looked for a natural way to prevent and treat influenza. Elderberry syrup had been developed in the 1990s as a shelf-stable, pleasant way for people to relieve their flu symptoms. Scientific studies of elderberry syrup are debated in the medical establishment, but thousands of people swear by the power of the berry.
The Wuhan Virus/COVID pandemic brought elderberry syrup to the front and center of natural remedies for immune support. By 2025, almost 50% of consumers in the US have taken some type of elderberry product. Prior to 2018, the number was around 7%.
Read more in Part 2 of Elderberry Lore: Everything You Wanted to Know About Elderberries
Click here for the Nutritional Values of Raw Elderberries, compared to blueberries and blackberries.
Click here to buy Elderberry Apple Shots (the sweeter one) and here to buy Elderberry Juice (no sugar added).
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.