Horticultural production of flowers and berries of elder (Sambucus Nigra) as raw material for processing of foods and pharmaceuticals
2015
Kaack, K. V. | Knudsen, B. F.
This paper includes knowledge about horticultural growing of elder bushes (Sambucus nigra) in order to improve the qualities of flowers and berries. Woody and green cuttings taken in the spring and June are potted in glasshouses with sufficient supply of water and nutrients. Row distance in the field may be from 2-4 m and plant distance in the rows may be 1-2 m depending on the size of the machinery utilised in the farm. Nutrients may be supplied according to the contents in dry matter of leaves sampled during the autumn. Bushes of S. nigra must be pruned every year leaving 7-12 stems/bush with maximum possible distance within each bush and primarily emerging from the plant roots. Flowering occurs from the last week of May to the first week of July. The weight of the flowers depends mainly on the cultivar and varies considerably. The flowers must be cooled immediately after harvest and extracted or frozen as soon as possible. Fruit maturation may be monitored by measuring dry matter, anthocyanin, soluble solids, titratable acidity and content of several amino acids. Determination of cultivars to be grown in an orchard may be based on rank analyses and should at least include two cultivars. The content of human nutrients and health-promoting compounds depends on cultivars, soil characteristics, climate and cultural practises. It is recommended that the data presented herein be combined with Guideline on Good Agricultural and Collection Practise (GACP) for Starting Materials of Herbal Origin adopted by the Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC) in order to produce raw materials with sublime qualities and added value for processing of medicinal products. However, these guidelines are not necessarily required in the production of raw materials for foods.
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