All parts of an elder are poisonous. At the same time, flowers and elderberries are very healthy. How does that fit together? It depends on the right collection technique. Find out how careful harvesting works here.

Skilfully collecting elderflowers - this is how you do it right

From the end of May, black elder presents its magnificent blossoms. Even our ancestors knew how to process elderflowers. Instead of waiting a long time for elderberries to ripen, they turned the blossoms into fragrant tea, delicious jelly and aromatic syrup. The traditional art is more relevant today than ever, as long as you collect the flowers with care. Here's how to do it:

  • the weather is dry and warm
  • the morning dew has just evaporated
  • collect only complete umbels with fully opened flowers
  • instead of picking, it is better to cut off with rose scissors
  • put them in an airy basket and not in a plastic bag

The flowers of elderberry bushes along busy roads are unfit for consumption. Keep an eye out for trees and shrubs at the edge of the forest, because these are not so badly affected by environmental toxins. For this reason, it is advisable to always plant an elder in your own garden away from the road.

Only harvest elderberries when they are fully ripe

By September at the latest, the elderberry harvest is just around the corner. Collect only umbels that have fully colored fruits. Be sure to wear gloves as the sap is very difficult to remove from hands and clothing. Using a sharp knife, cut off the umbel and place in a foil-lined basket. Before the harvest is washed indoors, individual unripe elderberries should be sorted out.

Eat only heated berries and flowers

Elderberry contains a glycoside that punishes careless consumption with severe stomach pain and vomiting. Elderberries and elderflowers may therefore only be eaten when they have been heated to over 80 degrees Celsius.

tips and tricks

The flowering of the black elder signals to the gardener that early summer weather conditions prevail. While it lasts, there's still time to plant fast-growing summer flowers. Plant or sow marigolds, mallows or sweet peas. They will thrive, regardless of the calendar date.

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Category:

Vegetable garden