Flower clusters are harvested when they have fully opened. Berries are harvested when **completely** ripe. Unripe berries, like the rest of elderberry plant save the blossoms, are not edible.

Preserve by drying.

FataMorgana

I harvest the fruit when they are ripe, but not overly ripe. Look for clusters that are all dark in color and plump, where you can handle the berries without getting juice all over your hands. If they are giving up their juice to easily, or getting smashed wile you are picking them, they are too ripe for drying (they will likely develop mold in the process unless dried quickly in a dehydrator). These should also be dried on the clusters, either hanging (with a cloth or paper beneath to catch any that fall) or just laid out on paper, berry side up. They are best removed from the stems after they are dried, since picking them off fresh usually results in smashing the fruit and creating a moldy mess in the drying process.

Many people pickle the green fruit, but I haven't done this yet. Hopefully this year :)

I keep a bottle of it for any virus going around. It works!!

SIMPLE ELDERBERRY TINCTURE RECIPE

1) Clean Quart Jar add 1/4 pound dried elderberries (Must be Sambucus nigra)
2) Now fill to top with vodka. Put lid on tight.
3) Store in a dark cupboard and shake once every few days.
4) Label and date your jar. Let it sit for at least 30 days before you strain it. You can use it without straining it too and it will just continue to get stronger
. Dosage: 1 teaspoon four to five times daily during infections. Otherwise once daily.

I have a ton of this in my backyard.. I just wish I knew if I had Sambucus nigra or something else ::