Why Elderberries Are Getting Popular in the Ozarks

As more locals begin to recognize the potential benefits of elderberries for cold and flu symptoms and a variety of other uses, we are seeing an increase in hobby farms and larger elderberry farms in the Ozarks. One of those hobby farms belongs to Lauren Petit.  “We started growing elderberries on our land because of all their health benefits,” she says.

While the berries are often used for baked goods and elderberry wine, the flowers can be boiled with sugar to make a syrup or infused into tea, and the flowers and leaves are used in skincare products.

David Buehler, owner of Elder Farms in Mount Vernon, has seen an uptick in the popularity of elderberry farming in Missouri. “The University of Missouri has been a big driver in the increase in elderberry farming in the area,” he says. “Their research on elderberries and their great medicinal qualities has had a big impact.” Missouri produces more elderberries than any other state, and Lawrence County, where Elder Farms is located, is responsible for more elderberry production than any other county in the U.S. Elder Farms produces a full range of elderberry products like teas, immunity shots, syrups and skincare products.

One of Elder Farms’ newest products is called Nobleberry, a soda they make with elderberries, honey, lemon and ginger. “We wanted to create an alternative to Coke and Diet Coke,” says Buehler. “You can find it at MaMa Jeans Natural Market, Neighbor’s Mill and lots of local coffee shops.”