Preserving the Harvest: Elderberries

Before they molded or even had a chance to go bad, I was able to blend the elderberries into something edible. Mixed with a hefty amount of apple sauce, some lime juice and honey the skins were pulverized by the awesomeness that is the Vita mix.Spread out thin on some saran and popped into the dehydrator.6 hours later, a lovely fruit leather.Delicious ripped into strips and so loaded with vitamins.A love fruit leather. He would eat the whole sheet if no one stopped him. On this occasion he ate two rectangles that I cut.

Then about 1/2 hour later he threw them up. I was convinced it was just way to much vitamin B and his body was overwhelmed and they say that a lot of things are toxic in way to huge of quantities. Then I read this and realized why all the recipes and things I know of made from elderberries is cooked.

Can I eat the berries raw? Some say that as long as they’re ripe you can eat them uncooked in small quantities, but most sources maintain that berries need to be cooked to fully remove all the toxins. (In addition, elderberries are really quite bitter until they’ve been sweetened with sugar or honey.) Again, as the non-doctor giving advice, I’d err on the side of caution and make sure your elderberries are washed and cooked.

I didn't wash them either! We really live on the edge here. So elderberry leather, tasty, but makes you sick if you eat to much. I ate a little and was fine. I don't know that I will make it again: I guess I could cook it before drying it- more work though, not really my thing right now!

oh and yes, his throw up was as bright pink as you would have expected if you have ever held an elderberry.