Part of the
Sambucus family, elder trees produce both elderflowers (a key component of liqueurs like St. Germain, and many beloved teas and sodas) and deep purple-blue elderberries. These berries are high in natural anthocyanins and are thought to have cold- and flu-fighting properties, with a tart flavor that's fantastic in jams, syrups, and pies. This beautiful species of elder is native to the Americas and was added to the Ark of Taste to recognize its cultural culinary significance.
We do not recommend eating these berries raw, as they contain natural alkaloids that can cause stomach upset (read more here:
https://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/cs_sanic4.pdf). Always avoid the leaves and stems, which are higher in alkaloids and should not be consumed in any preparation.