ELDERBERRIES

During last month's meeting/tour, several members asked about the growing/cultivation/harvesting, and health benefits from elderberries.  I lightly researched the topic and found this:  elderberries are members of the honeysuckle family, and are commonly used to make wine, juices, jelly, jams, and home treatments for coughs, colds, sore throats, and the flu.  Sambucus Nigra (black, blue, or Mexican) is high in vitamin C, and considered to be an antioxidant, and an anti-inflammatory home treatment.  Elderberries grow in the wild here in Northeast Washington, and are best harvested away from the toxin-covered roadways, and always after a frost or two (which only slightly improves the flavor!).

Here is a link to a helpful Washington State University Extension Service Bulletin on the subject of "Growing Small Fruits."

jim