Hi there! I have foraged a bunch of elderberries (I am in upstate New York). The plant has black berries and I am certain that it is an elderberry bush, but it is unclear to me as to which variety it is. I start to make a tincture with it but then read online that some elderberries are poisonous if not cooked. The tincture recipe is lemon peel, vodka, and raw elderberries left to sit for a few months. I was hoping to drink this a Christmas, but am now worried that I will poison my whole family. Will this be safe to drink? Also, can I consume jam made with these forraged berries? Thank you for your help!!
