Elderberries are typically ready for harvest in late summer to early fall, when they turn a deep purple or nearly black color. Here’s how to harvest them properly:
- Identify ripe berries: Only harvest fully ripe elderberries. Unripe berries and other parts of the plant (like the stems) can be toxic.
- Use scissors or pruners: Clip entire clusters of berries to avoid damaging the plant.
- Clean the berries: Once harvested, rinse the elderberries under cold water to remove any debris or insects.
- Remove from stems: After washing, gently remove the berries from the stems. You can freeze them first to make this process easier.
Be the first to comment