Berries are some of the most popular fruits in the world, and we all know classics like blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, and raspberries. One type of berry that has been a part of human cuisine for centuries yet isn’t well-known is the elderberry. These small, tart berries with a deep purple hue have a unique flavor, a wide and versatile range of applications, and a number of potential health benefits. Found in the wild, in grocery stores, and as an ingredient in many food products, elderberries have a flavor and nutritional profile that Americans should look into.
Elderberries are the small, dark fruits that grow on elder trees and elderberry bushes. These plants are primarily found in temperate and subtropical regions of both hemispheres, with significant populations in Europe and North America. While elderberries have been harvested from the wild for centuries, commercial cultivation has increased in recent decades due to growing demand for elderberry products. The most common types used for human consumption are European black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) and American elderberry (Sambucus canadensis).
Elderberry plants typically bloom in late spring, producing fragrant elderflowers that can also be used in culinary applications. As summer progresses, the flowers develop into clusters of berries that ripen from green to deep purple or black by late summer or early fall. Wild elderberry foraging is common in certain parts of the country, but most people have access through commercially produced cultivars. It is important to be cautious, however, since uncooked, raw elderberries can be toxic because of the glycosides; these compounds can be converted to cyanide in the body.1
So what do elderberries actually taste like? The complex and distinctive flavor initially presents as tart and slightly astringent in a way that can be unexpected for a first-time taster. But the tartness is followed by a deep, fruity sweetness reminiscent of blackberries or black currants. Underlying these central flavors is a subtle earthiness, sometimes described as musky or even having hints of pine. When cooked, the flavor of elderberries tends to mellow, with their tartness softening and their fruity aspects becoming more pronounced. This transformation makes them incredibly versatile in culinary applications, where their rich, wine-like flavor can add depth to both sweet and savory dishes.
Like other types of berries, elderberries are noteworthy for their nutritional benefits as well as their flavor and usefulness. In addition to being packed with nutrients, elderberries also contain a variety of bioactive compounds that are believed to contribute to overall health and wellness. For example, the rich purple color of elderberries is due to the anthocyanins content, which is a type of antioxidant that can help protect cells from oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals. Below are some of the most significant nutrients and compounds found in a 100 gram serving of elderberries:
Long before they became more widespread as a food, elderberries were used as a natural remedy in traditional medicine. In Native American medical practices, for instance, elderberries were believed to treat conditions like respiratory infections or fever. More recently, though, research has shown a lot of promise for the combination of nutrients and bioactive compounds found in elderberries in terms of promoting different aspects of health and wellness. These are some of the health benefits associated with elderberries:
There are a wide range of uses for elderberries, and the versatility of these small, dark berries is part of what has made them increasingly popular in recent years. From grocery store products to health and wellness, there are numerous ways to incorporate elderberries into one’s diet and daily life:
Consumers are always on the lookout for new products with new flavors, colors, or health benefits. While elderberries are certainly not new, they have been getting a lot more attention of late. FruitSmart is thrilled to offer elderberry juice and elderberry juice concentrate, ingredients that can be used in countless applications. If you’d like to learn more about any of our products or how you can partner with FruitSmart, please contact us today.
