Several of our members grow other perennial fruits along with American elderberry. Since the demand for nutrient dense dark berries like American elderberries is huge, they often combined with or substituted with black currants or aronia berries to provide diversity of product lines. They are all rich in vitamin C and polyphenols. Black currants can be eaten raw, but are usually cooked in sweet or savory dishes. They are used to make jams, preserves, and syrups and are grown commercially for the juice market. The fruit is also used to make alcoholic beverages and dyes.
MEC currently has access to both American grown frozen aronia berries and cleaned black currants - mostly in 40 lb. boxes, both certified organic and sustainably grown. Prices vary from $1.15-3.00/lb. To order, please email or call Chris Patton, info@midwest-elderberry.coop.
