Elderberry supplements have enjoyed tremendous growth due to both an increasing public desire to seek “natural” remedies, as well as scientific studies confirming their efficacy (Zakay-Rones et al. 2004).
This document presents estimates for market potential, establishment costs and returns associated with establishing an organic 3-acre commercial elderberry orchard.
What is Elderberry?
Elderberries, belonging to the Sambucus family, have long been used medicinally, particularly in parts of Europe. Reported uses for elderberries include treating cold and flu symptoms and other conditions; providing vitamin C; as well as flavonoids that reduce inflammation while strengthening immunity systems.
Elder tree fruit boasts low caloric intake and contains ample amounts of fiber, while also being high in antioxidants such as anthocyanins which give its deep purple hue, known for their anti-inflammatory properties and also being high in vitamins A, B6 and C content – with one cup providing only 106 calories and 26.7 grams of carbohydrates!
Elderberries can be consumed in various ways, from raw berries eaten directly or as supplements, to cooking the berries first before consumption – however it’s vital that any such uncooked berries contain toxic substances, including cyanide, which could prove deadly when uncooked; by cooking elderberry berries first they’re safer for consumption and won’t contain toxic cyanide which could potentially be dangerous if uncooked! Also important to avoid eating any leaves or stems of elder plants which contain potentially hazardous toxins as these could contain even more dangerous toxins than just cooking the berries!
Though research remains ongoing, some studies have demonstrated that elderberries may aid in combatting common cold and flu infections as well as respiratory infections. Furthermore, elderberries have also been suggested as potential remedies to improve mood and sleep quality; one study even concluded that people who consumed elderberry syrup experienced significantly fewer episodes of depression and anxiety than those who didn’t take the syrup.
Elderberries may provide skincare benefits as they contain high concentrations of antioxidants that can slow the aging process by reducing fine lines and wrinkles, plus their anti-inflammatory properties may help to soothe redness and irritation on the skin.
While dietary supplements may offer various health advantages, it’s important to remember they are unregulated by the Food and Drug Administration and may cause unknown side effects. Before taking dietary supplements it’s a good idea to consult your healthcare provider to discuss potential adverse interactions or discuss alternative solutions before beginning them.
How is Elderberry Grown?
Elderberries can be grown from cuttings purchased in 2- to 5-gallon pots and planted either spring or fall, rooting them with natural willow bark rooting hormone to accelerate germination and fruiting. Some small-rooted plants may bear fruit in as soon as one or two years; larger bushes usually take three or five years for full harvests to appear. When planting cuttings, soak them first in natural willow bark rooting hormone prior to sowing to hasten the process.
Elderberries prefer full to partial sun and fertile, well-drained soil in full to partial sunlight, growing wild along rivers and wetland edges. Once established, elderberries require only occasional pruning for tidying purposes and mulching with wood chips or leaves each year for maintenance. Also remember to water consistently (1 to 2 inches weekly unless it rains frequently) while providing your soil with ample organic material such as compost or well-rotted manure in order to retain moisture for best results.
When planting elderberries, create a hole at least two feet deep and wide. Add sufficient organic matter to enrich the soil, returning it back into the hole while making sure its top edge falls within or slightly below grade. When setting out root balls on this type of surface, ensure they sit even or slightly below grade as per planting specifications.
If you are planting bare root elderberry shrubs, be sure to harden off their plants prior to transplanting them outdoors in order to help them adjust more easily to outdoor conditions. Doing this helps the plants adapt faster.
Elderberries should be planted as soon as the last frost date has passed in early spring. While seeds may work just as effectively, bare root plants will take longer to establish themselves and need care and attention from you as an owner.
Many gardeners enjoy adding elderberry to their landscapes because of its breathtaking white flowers, which bloom mid-June. But it is important to remember that its leaves, stems and unripe berries contain cyanic glycosides which can be toxic to livestock as well as humans if consumed uninhibitedly for cooking or medicinal use – however when used sparingly as culinary or medicinal aid it’s perfectly safe! Visit Salisbury Greenhouse in Edmonton or Sherwood Park and find great varieties of elderberries available for sale as well as low-maintenance berry shrubs to enhance your garden!
How is Elderberry Processed?
Elderberries’ medicinal benefits stem largely from their abundance of polyphenols, which are proven to scavenge free radicals while simultaneously acting as antioxidants to prevent cell damage and slow the aging process. Their flavonoids contribute to their dark purple hue; some notable flavonoids include quercetin, kaempferol and anthocyanins. Elderberry fruit and flower products such as syrups, jellies wines extracts are commonly sold through local health food stores and herbalists.
Elderberries can be harvested and processed using several methods. Due to their perishability, it’s crucial that storage time be reduced as much as possible – either placing harvested berries in a cooler immediately after harvest or shaking perforated baskets to separate the berries from their stems is one option available to harvesters; both require significant manual labor but can be more efficient than traditional harvesting techniques.
Harvested berries can either be dried or frozen for later use, with freezing being the preferred method as it preserves quality and allows more consistent production. To minimize manual de-steming later, it’s recommended that harvested berries be stored in freezer bags without stems so that freezing occurs with minimal disruptions to production schedules.
Another way of preserving elderberries is through home tincturing. This project can be completed easily and cost-effectively in about one month; ensure that the dark glass bottle used to store your tincture is kept cool and dry during storage.
Though cultivation of elderberry products presents numerous challenges, the opportunity for growers is great. River Hills Harvest is among the organizations providing support to new producers ranging from research to best management practices to marketing channels and co-packers. Furthermore, the University of Missouri Center for Agroforestry conducts research on elderberries as perennial crops while being an invaluable source of information regarding production and marketing of elderberries.
What is the Best Price on Elderberry?
Practitioners of traditional medicine have long relied upon elderberries as an immune health boost and natural anti-oxidant. Elderberry supplements come in various forms such as capsules, syrups and gummies; each contain differing quantities of elderberry as well as additional beneficial ingredients that could prove helpful. Consumers should keep price in mind when selecting an elderberry product; manufacturers may prepare and process their herbs differently than you.
Gummies are a convenient and tasty way to incorporate elderberry supplements into daily routine. Easy to swallow and pleasing in flavor, gummies provide a quick way to supplement vitamin and mineral needs with their high concentration. The Elderberry Co makes high quality elderberry gummies made with all-natural ingredients without gelatin, peanuts, tree nuts or GMOs; their quality and purity is tested through third-party testing services and certified for quality by independent companies. Selecting appropriate elderberry gummies ensure that you reap maximum benefit from this powerful herb; one teaspoonful of elderberry syrup is packed inside every gummy made by them as well as essential vitamin C and zinc for immune support purposes.
