Tag: Mexican elderberry

Over 60 years ago, a group in California became ill after improperly consuming raw elderberries, including leaves and branches. So, can you eat Mexican elderberries? The definitive answer is yes, but only with careful and proper preparation to destroy the toxic compounds found in the raw fruit and other parts of the plant.

While the fragrant, creamy flowers of *Sambucus mexicana* are non-toxic and can be eaten raw, its ripe berries, unripe berries, leaves, stems, and roots contain cyanogenic glycosides and must be processed to be safe for consumption. Knowing which parts are safe and how to prepare them is essential for any forager or home cook.