Elder

Edible parts

• Flowers (summer) → syrup, cordial
• Ripe black berries (autumn) → jam, juice

Recognition

• Shrub/small tree up to 7 m
• Large flat white flower clusters (June)
• Compound leaves, 5-7 leaflets
• Ripe berries black-purple in drooping clusters
• Grey bark with cork pores

Preparation tips

• Flowers: shake in sugar water for elderflower cordial
• Berries: ALWAYS heat, never raw!
• Berry juice, hot drink, jam, wine
• Unripe green berries are toxic

Dangerous lookalikes

• Guelder rose (Viburnum opulus) — red berries, also heat before eating
• CAUTION: raw elder berries contain sambunigrin → nausea
• Never eat leaves, bark or roots — toxic

Medicinal use

• Elderflower tea for colds and flu
• Antiviral: against influenza
• Berry juice rich in vitamin C and antioxidants