Elderberry

Elderberries grow on bushes that are nevertheless often referred to as elderberry trees. They grow wild all over Europe, the western part of Asia, and in North America. Unlike some other berries, such as blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries, which are also typically found growing wild at the edge of a wood or by roadsides, elderberries must be cooked before they are eaten to have a pleasant flavor. Elderberries are also cultivated commercially in Europe, mainly in Austria and Scandinavia. The small, round black berries grow on umbrellalike stalks and are used in a variety of sweets, such as pancakes, muffins, and a mixed fruit soup that is quite popular in Sweden. In addition, the berries are used to make elderberry brandy, wine, and juice. The pretty, little white blossoms of the elderberry bush are used to flavor poached fruit, and clusters of the flowers, dipped in fritter batter and deep-fried, were eaten by the Native Americans and are still popular today in Europe, especially in Austria.