Unripe elderberries?

Anyone have knowledge if unripe/green elderberries can be used?

My bushes have a bumper crop this year and the branches are so loaded that they are bending down severely and a couple have already snapped.

I ought to just support them probably but was hoping there was a use for unripe ones.

Hi Bridget,

Ripe elderberries are considered mildly toxic raw so I would avoid consuming unripe elderberries. In that same vein, it would probably be unwise to use them for any medicinal purposes unless you have an extremely trustworthy source along with very low doses.

You could always leave out thinned fruit for the birds or use it for compost.

Hope this helps,
Eric S.

I found something exciting--several sources that have recipes to use unripe elderberries as capers! I'll try this one: first you ferment, then cook them to preserve. https://www.wildfooduk.com/wild-food-recipes/elderberry-capers/

That recipe is really cool. It seems that fermenting and then draining the green elderberry. Then fermenting again (with vinegar+sugar) for 3weeks, deactivates the toxins.

That's awesome to hear, I hope it comes out well!

Eric S.