Fun Facts
- Elderberries grow in swampy habitats and other areas with lots of water.
- Elderberry flowers are ivory white and very fragrant during blooms in spring and summer.
- The berries are purple or black in colour.
- Elderberry flowers are often used in jellies, jams, cakes and pies.
- You must only eat cooked elderberries – uncooked elderberries can kill you.
Where do we come from?
Elderberries grow across most of Europe and North America. They favour wet fertile soils, but they can also grow in dry and sunny locations. Whilst they can be used in cooking, they can often be considered weeds which grow along hedgerows across Britain and Nothern Europe.
Next time you go out for a walk, see if you can spot any! They are deep blue-black which grow on small trees along hedgerows. In spring they can be identified by their small white flowers.
Test yourself! Can you locate these regions on a map?
We are good for you!
Like all fruits and vegetables, elderberries are low in sodium, calories and fat and they are also a good source of dietary fibre. But elderberries are especially good for you because …
- They are a very rich source of vitamin C, which is good for your skin, blood vessels and bones.
- They have been found to reduce cold and flu symptoms and they are often used in liquids, capsules, lozenges and gummies which you can buy in the shops to do just this.
Quiz Question: How many different types of berry can you name?
The taste of elderberries is one of our favourites, but there are many other berries out there which we also enjoy! Some of these include Strawberries and Blueberries …
Can you think of any other berries which you enjoy eating?
Get Creative!
Draw, paint or build a picture of the beautiful elderberry flowers and then share it with us! We want you to be as creative and imaginative as possible. We cannot wait to see what you come up with!
Get Cooking! Elderberry Jam