If you are tired of eating elderberries in jam or syrup, it is time to try a new taste sensation -- smoked elderberries. Yes, fruits can be smoked just as easily as meat or vegetables. The resulting taste is delightfully tangy and may be further enhanced by using flavored wood chips. Keep a supply of smoked elderberries on hand for a family snack. The elderberry is as healthful as it is tasty; it is a natural source of vitamin C, potassium and phosphorus.
Step 1
Choose fresh elderberries that are blue or purple in color. White elderberries are immature and red elderberries are toxic and should not be ingested. You should not ingest uncooked elderberries as they can cause stomach upset. Store them in a cool, dry place until you are ready to smoke the berries.
Step 2
Place the elderberries in the plastic resealable container. Cover the berries with apple juice or another clear liquid beverage of your choice and let soak for at least one hour.
Step 3
Set your smoker to its lowest setting. Place the elderberries on a disposable tin tray or in a grilling container and place inside the smoker.
Step 4
Check the elderberries after one hour of smoking. Although you do not want to frequently open the lid, as this will increase cooking time and decrease flavor, each smoker will vary in measurement of cooking time for fruits. The berries are done with they are soft but not mushy to the touch.
Tips and Warnings
- You can roll the berries in vegetable oil before smoking so they do not stick to your pan.
Things You'll Need
- Electric, charcoal or wood smoker
- Elderberries
- Plastic resealable container
- Apple juice
- Wood chips (for wood smoker)
- Disposable or grilling pan
