Poisoned Friend

Smart Red

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Yes, same friend, same event, same 'longish time' ago. I don't believe Nyboy has poisoned any friends lately; just afraid he might by accident as that other time was.
 

bills

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So a neighbor makes elderberry wine every year, and is still kicking.
Does the fermenting of the berries change the chemical property of them. I'm pretty sure he doesn't cook them first..?
 

bills

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Sheesh..I never realized they could be so dangerous..Read this on a wine making web site.

"Cautions
In all species, the stems, leaves, bark and especially the roots are toxic; the latter are known to have caused death to rooting animals such as swine. All immature (green) berries are considered toxic, and one American species, the American Red, or Scarlet, Elder (S. pubens) produces a mature toxic berry. While the berries of many species induce stomach upset if eaten raw or in excess, the American Red Elder is excessively toxic and should be avoided. Its mature berries are very small — about 1⁄5 inch in diameter — obviously red and its juice yellowish. The identified toxin is a cyanogenic glycoside (releases cyanide) called sambunigrin. Indeed, it is this toxin that is partially responsible for many of the beneficial medicinal effects of other elderberries, as many toxins used in controlled amounts are medicinally useful without harmful effects to the patients.

For wine making purposes, simply avoid the America Red Elder and you will be fine, as not enough berries are used to create a health problem. If you want to be absolutely sure, cook the berries for 20 minutes over low heat before adding them to your must.

Complete article..
https://winemakermag.com/841-elderberry-wine
 

baymule

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I don't have any elderberries growing here. I just admire them in other people's yards. I try to avoid toxic plants because of children, pets and livestock.
 

journey11

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I planted 2 elderberry bushes last year because I don't always have time to traipse the countryside gathering the wild ones. A friend from church saw me picking elderberries from the roadside last year and joked that there's a food pantry so I don't need to scavenge for my supper. :p But I am not too concerned about my kids messing with them. They listen well when I tell them something is poisonous.
 
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