Elderberries - Air Dried

Elderberries are a great blending ingredient as they bring both texture to the blend and a fully berry-sweet flavour. Grown in Turkey, these Grade A elderberries are great for supporting health too. Elderberries are small, dark purple fruits that are full of antioxidants, vitamins, and fibre and are reported to support the immune system. As a healing plant, the use of elderberry for medicinal purposes dates back to 400 BC.

What are the health benefits of elderberries?

Elderberries are highly regarded for their immune-boosting properties, primarily attributed to their high antioxidant content. They are particularly rich in vitamin C and dietary fibre. Studies suggest that elderberries can help reduce the symptoms and duration of colds and the flu. [1]

Can you eat raw elderberries?

Raw elderberries, as well as the elder tree's leaves, seeds, and bark, contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can produce cyanide. Hence, raw elderberries are potentially toxic if not properly prepared. It is safe to consume elderberries only after they have been cooked.[2]

How should elderberries be used in supplements or foods?

Elderberries are used in various forms, including syrups, gummies, teas, and capsules as supplements. In foods, they are often cooked into jams, jellies, and pies. The key is to ensure that the elderberries are properly processed (cooked) to eliminate toxins before consumption.[3]

What are the side effects of consuming elderberries?

While elderberries offer significant health benefits, excessive consumption of improperly prepared berries can lead to nausea, vomiting, or severe diarrhoea. People should also be cautious if they have autoimmune diseases, as elderberries stimulate the immune system. [4]

Safe Commercial Production Of Air Dried Elderberries

Safety and removing harmful substances are paramount when elderberries are grown for sale. Raw elderberries contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide, a poisonous chemical. To remove this risk, certain methods are used to process the dried fruit to ensure it is safe to eat.

One of the most crucial steps in the process is the high-temperature cooking of the elderberries. This method effectively breaks down the cyanogenic glycosides, significantly reducing the risk of cyanide poisoning. Additionally, removing stems and seeds, which contain higher amounts of cyanide-releasing compounds, further enhances the safety of elderberries.

Commercial producers uphold stringent regulations in the drying process, ensuring that the berries are dried correctly after cooking. This meticulous approach eliminates any residual moisture that could trigger the release of cyanide from the remaining glycosides. The drying process not only enhances the safety of elderberries but also preserves their nutritional value.

By following these steps, commercial producers can make elderberry products that are safe and still have the raw fruit's health benefits without cyanide's harmful effects.

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4848651/
2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2225411017300871
3. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2210803317300048
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5372600/