Elderberries are native to eastern states and the Delmarva Peninsula. They are known for their flavor in jams, wines and syrups, in addition to teas and gummies for their high antioxidant value and potential immune support.
UMES Extension is offering a workshop Feb. 28 to teach interested growers how to cultivate the woody plant, along with harvesting and processing the berries for value-added products. The how-to class will be held from 9 a.m.-noon at the UMES Research, Extension and Teaching Farm.
“The goal of the class is to provide research-based information to participants who are considering growing elderberry commercially or as backyard growers,” said Henriette den Ouden (pictured at left), an agent associate with UMES’ Specialty Herb Program.
Den Ouden will discuss elderberry cultivars planted on the UMES research farm in the past six years, such as Wyldewood and Bob Gordon, sharing tips for growing, information on diseases and pest management strategies.
“Those who attend will take home cuttings to transplant to get them started,” she said. “We’ll also take a look at costs associated with growing the perennial crop, in addition to marketability and profitability.”
Den Ouden holds membership in the American Botanical Council and American Herbalists Guild. She completed a master’s in herbal medicine from the Maryland University of Integrative Health (formerly the Tai Sophia Institute) in Laurel, Maryland.
The workshop is $10 per person and pre-registration is required HERE.
Gail Stephens, agricultural communications and media associate, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, UMES Extension, gcstephens@umes.edu., 410-621-3850.
Photos by Todd Dudek, agricultural communications, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, UMES Extension, tdudek@umes.edu.
