Produce Briefs...
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime, scientific name, X Citrofortunella mitis & Citrus microcarpa, is also known as the lime orange, Chinese orange or Calamondin orange.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Pinkglow™ Pineapple
Pinkglow™ pineapples are small to medium fruits with an oval to cylindrical shape.
Elderberries
Inventory, lb : 0
This item was last sold on : 10/09/21
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Elderberries grow on bushy shrubs that can reach heights as tall as seven meters. In the summer, the tree’s creamy white blossoms give way to clusters of small green berries that later ripen to a bluish-purple hue. It should be noted that before they are fully ripened, the green berries are considered toxic and should not be consumed. Usually ready for harvest in the fall, ripe Elderberries have an appearance of a micro-sized blueberry, with a firm texture and moderately juicy texture. Their flavor is distinctly tart with extremely astringent finish. They are usually considered to be unpalatable when consumed raw.
The Elderberry is available during late summer and fall.
Elderberry bushes are perennial shrubs within the honeysuckle family, known for both the edible berries and the sweet smelling blossoms which precede them. The two most common species are the European elderberry (Sambucus nigra) and the American elderberry (Sambucus canadensis), the latter valued for its superior fruit. Often foraged rather than commercially cultivated, it is important to properly identify the different Elderberry species. Red elderberries (Sambucus racemosa) are considered poisonous and portions of other certain species’ bark, foliage and unripe berries are partially toxic. Elderberries best cooked and usually used to make a jam. The edible flowers are utilized for infusing wine, cordials and the famous liqueur, St Germain.
Elderberries have high levels of Vitamin C. In extract form, the Elderberry has been proven effective in fighting Avian flu as it is rich in antioxidants that support the body's immune system and fight free radicals.
Elderberries are best suited for cooked and processed applications so as to mitigate their tart flavor and astringent mouthfeel. When sweetened in a preserve they become a pleasant floral and fruity condiment very similar to blackberry jelly. Elderberry syrup, an infusion of the pureed berries cooked down with sugar, can became a versatile ingredient for ice creams, sorbets, baked goods, beverages and sauces for wild game. Companion ingredients include brown sugar, dates, dried figs, maple syrup, fresh bramble berries, fresh and cooked stone fruits, roasted nuts, foie gras, scallops, vanilla, white wines, tawny ports, coffee and chocolate.
The Elderberry tree was a holy symbol of health in the Middle Ages, and it appears in ancient lore from countries such as Germany, Denmark, Romania, Russia and Scotland. The Cahuillas Indians used Elderberries and twigs for food, medicine and ceremony.
The Elderberry plant is native to North America. Plants grow wild from Northern Mexico to British Columbia. They thrive in moist soil along stream banks, river banks, in slopes and canyons or in openings within forest habitats with warm sunny days. Although, the raw plant is considered poisonous to ingest as humans, the elderberry plant serves as food for the wild, including birds, squirrels, elk, deer and bears. It is also planted as agricultural cover crop and food for livestock, including goats, sheep and cattle.
Recipes that include Elderberries. One
is easiest, three is harder.
People have shared Elderberries using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
| Food Buzz: History of Elderberries | |
| Food Fable: Elderberries |
Description/Taste
Elderberries grow on bushy shrubs that can reach heights as tall as seven meters. In the summer, the tree’s creamy white blossoms give way to clusters of small green berries that later ripen to a bluish-purple hue. It should be noted that before they are fully ripened, the green berries are considered toxic and should not be consumed. Usually ready for harvest in the fall, ripe Elderberries have an appearance of a micro-sized blueberry, with a firm texture and moderately juicy texture. Their flavor is distinctly tart with extremely astringent finish. They are usually considered to be unpalatable when consumed raw.
Seasons/Availability
The Elderberry is available during late summer and fall.
Current Facts
Elderberry bushes are perennial shrubs within the honeysuckle family, known for both the edible berries and the sweet smelling blossoms which precede them. The two most common species are the European elderberry (Sambucus nigra) and the American elderberry (Sambucus canadensis), the latter valued for its superior fruit. Often foraged rather than commercially cultivated, it is important to properly identify the different Elderberry species. Red elderberries (Sambucus racemosa) are considered poisonous and portions of other certain species’ bark, foliage and unripe berries are partially toxic. Elderberries best cooked and usually used to make a jam. The edible flowers are utilized for infusing wine, cordials and the famous liqueur, St Germain.
Nutritional Value
Elderberries have high levels of Vitamin C. In extract form, the Elderberry has been proven effective in fighting Avian flu as it is rich in antioxidants that support the body's immune system and fight free radicals.
Applications
Elderberries are best suited for cooked and processed applications so as to mitigate their tart flavor and astringent mouthfeel. When sweetened in a preserve they become a pleasant floral and fruity condiment very similar to blackberry jelly. Elderberry syrup, an infusion of the pureed berries cooked down with sugar, can became a versatile ingredient for ice creams, sorbets, baked goods, beverages and sauces for wild game. Companion ingredients include brown sugar, dates, dried figs, maple syrup, fresh bramble berries, fresh and cooked stone fruits, roasted nuts, foie gras, scallops, vanilla, white wines, tawny ports, coffee and chocolate.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
The Elderberry tree was a holy symbol of health in the Middle Ages, and it appears in ancient lore from countries such as Germany, Denmark, Romania, Russia and Scotland. The Cahuillas Indians used Elderberries and twigs for food, medicine and ceremony.
Geography/History
The Elderberry plant is native to North America. Plants grow wild from Northern Mexico to British Columbia. They thrive in moist soil along stream banks, river banks, in slopes and canyons or in openings within forest habitats with warm sunny days. Although, the raw plant is considered poisonous to ingest as humans, the elderberry plant serves as food for the wild, including birds, squirrels, elk, deer and bears. It is also planted as agricultural cover crop and food for livestock, including goats, sheep and cattle.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Elderberries. One
is easiest, three is harder.| Namely Marley |
|
Elderberry Pie |
| Almond Corner |
|
Elderberry Tartelettes |
| David Lebovitz |
|
Elderberry Syrup |
| Simply Recipes |
|
Elderberry Jelly |
Recently Shared
People have shared Elderberries using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Sharing allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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Santa Monica Farmers Market
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 305 days ago, 7/21/21 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 576 days ago, 10/23/20 Sharer's comments : Elderberries from Murray Family Farms 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Murray Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 620 days ago, 9/09/20 |
