It is important to note the right time to harvest elderberries. Here we will explain to you when to harvest elderberries and how to tell when the fruits are ripe.
The harvest time for elderberries usually begins in August, but can vary depending on the weather. If you pay attention to the noticeable signs that the berries are ready to harvest, you will be successful and carry out the harvest correctly. You will also learn how to store and use the healthy berries from this article
Signs of ripe berries
When are elderberries ripe? There are some signs of this. With black elderberry, the signs that the fruits are ready to harvest are black-purple berries without a reddish color. With red elderberry, the fruits are ready to harvest when they are completely red.
You can also see whether the berries are ripe by squeezing a berry and looking at the juice. If the juice looks pale and watery, the berry is not ripe. The juice should be dark purple. Then you can harvest elderberry. Please note that unripe elderberries will not ripen after harvest. How to carry out the harvest and what you need for it, read on!
Harvesting elderberry: time to harvest the berries
When can you harvest elderberry? It is important to harvest elderberries when they are fully ripe, otherwise they are slightly toxic. As already mentioned, the elderberry harvest season begins in August. You can harvest elderberries until September, using theRipeness of the fruitsshould take into account. The harvest should be completed when the elder leaves fall.
Tools needed for harvesting
To harvest elderberries you will need a few simple tools:
- Bucket/Basket
- scissors or knife
- Gloves
- Bockleiter
The easiest way to harvest elderberries
Harvesting elderberry is easy. Cut off entire clumps with pruning shears or a knife. Cut below the base of the stem. Collect the clumps in a basket or bucket that you have prepared beforehand.
Important note: After harvesting, carefully remove the berries from the stems. The stems and leaves are poisonous. The easiest way to remove the berries is to freeze them for a few hours. Then the fruits can easily be shaken from the branches.
How to eat elderberries
Note that elderberries can be slightly toxic when raw. Therefore, always eat them after appropriate processing. Elderberry contains cyanide, which evaporates during thermal processing.Like the healthy berriesHow to store and use can be found below!
Tips and methods for storing berries
How to store elderberries? The most common methods are drying and freezing. Here we show you how you should proceed so that you process and store the berries correctly.
How to dry elderberries
There are several methods of drying berries. First you need to wash the fruits. Use a sieve to remove any leftover leaves or other debris. After cleaning the berries, dry them with a paper towel.
Dry berries in the sun
To sun dry the elderberry, place the berries on a tray and let them dry in full sun. Be sure to cover them with a fly screen to protect them from birds and insects. It takes 4 to 5 days for the berries to dry.
Dry elderberries in the oven
Another alternative is to dry the berries in the oven. Put the trays with berries in the oven at the lowest setting for about half an hour.
Use an electric dehydrator
Drying elderberry with an electric dehydrator takes a few hours.
Important: You can tell that the berries are dry when they are crunchy. There should be no moisture when squeezing a berry.
Freeze elderberries
Freezing is an equally common and easy method for storing elderberries. Wash the berries, dry them, put them in zip-top bags andstore them in the freezer. Frozen elderberries can generally be used for 6-10 months, but in the best case scenario they can last up to a year.
How to use the berries
How to use elderberries? The healthy berries have long been used for medicinal syrups as they help against coughs. They are also used for alcohol-based tinctures. Have you tried tea with elderberries, it is aromatic and healthy. And how about delicious jams and jellies or fruity cakes with elderberry? Sweet elderberry wine is also a great option!
Make your own simple elderberry syrup
This syrup is very healthy and helps strengthen the immune system. The recipe is extremely simple and quick.
Required ingredients:
- 800g water
- 150 g fresh elderberries
- 1 Zimtstange
- 3 whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh ginger root
- 300 g Honig
Instructions for preparation:
- The first thing you need to do is combine the water, elderberries, ginger, cinnamon stick and cloves in a saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil. Let simmer for 30 minutes.
- Mash the berries and strain the mixture through a fine sieve.
- Remove the cinnamon stick and cloves.
- Once the syrup has cooled, stir in honey and mix well. Store in the refrigerator.
