When most people think of elderberry (Sambucus nigra), they think of the dark purple berries that are often used to make pies or jam. What they may not know is that elderberry can also be used for a number of health benefits.
The plant usually blooms in late spring to early summer and elderberries can be harvested from August to October.
The autumn season is a great time to enjoy the many benefits of elderberries. Elderberry products range from jams and pies to wines or syrups that can be used for flu remedies – all made using these delicious berries!
In this blog post, I’ll discuss the many benefits of harvesting elderberry and how you can do it in your backyard.
The Health Benefits of Elderberry
Elderberry has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for a number of ailments. More recently, science has begun to back up what many cultures have known for years—that elderberry is incredibly good for your health. Some of the most well-known benefits of elderberry include:
Reducing Inflammation
Elderberry is packed with antioxidants, which are known to help reduce inflammation throughout the body. Studies have shown that elderberry can help reduce inflammation in the respiratory system, making it an effective treatment for colds and allergies.
Boosting the Immune System
Along with reducing inflammation, elderberries also stimulate the production of cytokines. Cytokines are proteins that help fight infection by targeting specific cells in the body.
This means that consuming elderberries can help boost your immune system, making you less likely to get sick in the first place.
Treating Colds and Flu
Because elderberries boost immunity and reduce inflammation, they are also effective at treating cold and flu symptoms. If you feel like you’re coming down with something, consume elderberries at the first sign of symptoms for best results.
How to Harvest Elderberry
Now that we’ve gone over some of the many benefits of consuming elderberry, let’s talk about how you can harvest it yourself. If you’re lucky enough to have an elderberry bush in your backyard, here’s what you need to do:
1. Wait until the berries are ripe. You know they’re ripe when they’re dark purple and look like they’re about to fall off the bush. Pick only the clusters that are fully ripe.
2. Cut off each cluster of berries with a pair of sharp shears. Be careful not to cut off any leaves or stems as these can be poisonous if consumed in large quantities.
3. Place your berry clusters in a colander or strainer and rinse them off with cool water. You don’t want any dirt or debris on your berries as this can contaminate them.
4. Spread your berries out on a clean towel or sheet pan and allow them to air dry completely before storing them away.
Elderberry plants have thorns so it is advisable to dress appropriately.
Research shows that unripe elderberries can cause stomach upset. Cut the stem about an inch from the berry cluster using garden shears and place the stem in your bucket.
Avoid crushing the berries as you pick them. After picking all the clusters, remove any leaves or stems that might have fallen into the bucket. Place your elderberries in a cool, dry place and use them within a week or two or freezer for up to a year.
Elderberries are an incredibly versatile fruit that offers a variety of health benefits. From reducing inflammation to boosting immunity, there are many reasons why you should consider adding elderberries to your diet.
If you have an elderberry bush in your backyard, harvest the berries yourself following the steps outlined above. Once they’re dry, store them in an airtight container and enjoy them throughout the winter months!
How to harvest elderberry
Materials
- A pair of garden shears
- A harvesting bucket
- An apron (optional)
- A long sleeve shirt (optional)
Instructions
- Wait until the berries are ripe. It's when they are dark and purple, almost ready to fall of the bush themselves.
- Cut of each cluster of berries with a pair of sharp shears.
- Place you berry clusters in a colander or stainer and rinse them properly with cold water.
- Spread your berries out on a clean towel or sheet pan and let them air dry.
Notes
A long sleeve shirt is recommended because the elderberry stems have thorns on them.