Poisoned Friend

[Nyboy]

Journey what do you use the berries for?

 

[journey11]

Journey what do you use the berries for?

I make an elderberry syrup that we take daily to ward off colds and flu over the winter. It is one herbal remedy that has actually been tested and researched enough to suggest that it certainly is effective. It works to stimulate the immune system. You can buy it, but it is much cheaper and super easy to make. I forage as many wild berries as I can, but usually have to buy a pound of dried elderberries too. It makes several batches, enough for the four of us, plus a couple jars I give away if a friend or relative needs it. Adults take 1 tbsp. daily. We enjoy it mixed in a small glass of ginger ale. I haven't made the recipe for the gummies yet (first link above), but that would be fun for the kids.

You could also make jelly or wine with them. Hopefully once my bushes mature, I will have enough to make jelly too.

 

[Smart Red]

Thank you, @journey11 for the above information. I love it that this site allows links to original sources so information can be shared without long cut and paste posts. Also, we can assess the original source of the information and make decisions for ourselves based upon new learning rather than what we heard someone else say.

Good post, journey11.

 

[Jared77]

Keep us posted @journey11 on your elderberry bushes progress please.

I bought some elderberries at the farmers market last year so I could make elderberry jam for my FIL who loves elderberry.

They were VERY tedious to de-stem, but he loved the stuff. I bought them from a Mennonite family who are regular sellers there. Where did you order the bushes from? Thinking I might just get him his own plants and let him deal with them

 

[journey11]

Keep us posted @journey11 on your elderberry bushes progress please.

I bought some elderberries at the farmers market last year so I could make elderberry jam for my FIL who loves elderberry.

They were VERY tedious to de-stem, but he loved the stuff. I bought them from a Mennonite family who are regular sellers there. Where did you order the bushes from? Thinking I might just get him his own plants and let him deal with them

I got mine from Jung's. Wish I'd bought a couple more. They weren't very expensive and they take off growing really fast.

I've heard if you freeze them first, they're easier to de-stem. I am going to try that next time.

 

[Nyboy]

There is a purple leaf , that's very pretty not sure how good the berries are.

 

[journey11]

I have a 'Black Lace' sambucus. Gorgeous foliage and a quick grower too. Mine is too young, so I haven't seen it bloom or try to make berries yet. I do wonder if they'd be edible too.

 

[thistlebloom]

The Black lace I planted for a client was an extremely fast grower. Pink blooms, very pretty. I ended up having to move it because it outgrew the height she was looking for. Unfortunately the area I moved it too wasn't so great and the deer decided they liked it too. But it's on a lot of deer resistant plant lists.

There are a lot of wild elderberries growing out in the good huckleberry picking areas, they seem to ripen at the same time, I wonder what kind they are.

 

[Carol Dee]

There are a lot of wild elderberries growing out in the good huckleberry picking areas, they seem to ripen at the same time, I wonder what kind they are.

WILD ???

 

[Smart Red]

I have a 'Black Lace' sambucus. Gorgeous foliage and a quick grower too. Mine is too young, so I haven't seen it bloom or try to make berries yet. I do wonder if they'd be edible too.

I planted one as well on the side of the house opposite from the Japanese Maple to balance the colors. I love it. I've had the flowers, but I didn't see any berries.