All parts of an elderberry are poisonous. At the same time, flowers and elderberries are very he althy. How does that fit together? It all depends on the right collection technique. Find out how careful harvesting works here.
How to collect elderberries correctly?
To collect elderberry properly, harvest flowers in dry weather and after the morning dew has evaporated. Cut off complete umbels with open flowers and place them in an airy basket. Only harvest elderberries when they are fully ripe and wear gloves.
Collecting elderflowers skillfully – this is how you do it right
From the end of May, black elderberry presents its magnificent blooms. Our ancestors already knew how to process elderflowers. Instead of waiting a long time for elderberries to ripen, they turned the flowers into fragrant tea, delicious jelly and aromatic syrup. The traditional art is more relevant today than ever, as long as you collect the flowers carefully. Here's how to do it:
- dry, warm weather prevails
- the morning dew has just evaporated
- only collect complete umbels with fully opened flowers
- instead of picking, cut better with rose scissors
- place in an airy basket and not in a plastic bag
The flowers of elderberry bushes along busy roads are unsuitable for consumption. Look for woody plants at the edge of the forest because they are not as polluted by environmental toxins. For this reason, it is recommended to always plant an elderberry away from the street in your own garden.
Only harvest elderberries when they are fully ripe
The elderberry harvest will be around the corner by September at the latest. Only collect cones that have completely colored fruits. Be sure to wear gloves because the sap is very difficult to remove from hands and clothing. Use a sharp knife to cut off the umbel and place it in a basket lined with foil. Before the harvest is washed indoors, individual unripe elderberries should be sorted out.
Only eat heated berries and flowers
Elderberry contains a glycoside that punishes careless consumption with severe abdominal pain and vomiting. Elderberries and elderflowers may therefore only be eaten once they have been heated to over 80 degrees Celsius.
Tips & Tricks
The flowering of the black elderberry signals to the gardener that early summer weather conditions prevail. While it lasts, there is still time to plant fast-growing summer flowers. Plant or sow marigolds, mallows or sweet peas now. They will thrive excellently regardless of the calendar date.
