Elderberry is a plant species belonging to the Adoxaceae family. Although the majority of varieties grow in forests and parks, there are also varieties grown for industrial purposes.
Elderberries (Sambuci fructus) are drupes. Their color depends on the stage of maturity. Initially the fruit is green but turns black and purple when fully ripe. Due to the health beneficial properties of elderberry fruits resulting from their rich chemical composition, this raw material is widely used in industry.
The chemical composition of elderberry fruits depends on various factors such as variety, environmental conditions (light, temperature, amount and frequency of rainfall, fertilization, cultivation methods), processing method and storage conditions. Besides containing a small amount of protein (2.7-2.9%), elderberry is also rich in fatty acids. Apart from this, elderberries also contain essential oil consisting of more than 30 different compounds. Elderberry fruits are also a source of minerals and contain various vitamins in their structure.