Elderberries

Elderberries are native to Iowa. They can be seen growing as a bush along the roadsides in spring. Their flowers make clumps of white “umbels” like an umbrella and then turn to dark purple berries. These berries should not be eaten fresh, but can be processed into jellies and jams, juice, tea, wine and liqueur. The flowers can also be used in salads and to make liqueur. Best to use elderberry cultivars when considering growing for commercial sale. These berries are extremely high in anti-oxidants and freeze-dried berries are seeing a high demand from the European markets.