The natural world offers a diverse array of aromas, each a unique signature for the plants that produce them. Scent provides insights into a plant’s identity, maturity, and potential uses. The elderberry plant, with its widespread presence, often sparks curiosity regarding its particular fragrance. Understanding the aroma of elderberries and their various parts connects us more deeply to this common shrub.
Describing the Elderberry Scent
Ripe elderberries possess a distinctive and complex aroma, a blend of several volatile compounds. This characteristic scent comes from substances such as (E)-β-damascenone, dihydroedulan, and phenylacetaldehyde. These compounds contribute to a fruity and sweet impression, often with subtle notes.
The fruity-sweet aspects are further enhanced by aliphatic esters like ethyl 2-methylbutanoate and methyl nonanoate. Floral notes, sometimes reminiscent of pear or lychee, may also be present, alongside a musky or earthy quality. The overall aroma of ripe elderberries is not a single, dominant note but rather a nuanced combination that creates its unique profile.
How Different Forms Affect Aroma
The aroma of elderberries changes depending on their state and which part of the plant is considered. Fresh, ripe elderberries offer a vibrant, fruity scent, sometimes with a green or tart undertone. This aroma is bright and berry-like at peak ripeness.
Drying elderberries alters their aromatic profile, often concentrating certain compounds. Dried berries may develop a deeper, more raisin-like or prune-like fragrance, losing some brighter notes. Some processed forms, like syrup from dried berries, can take on a “burnt flavored” or “prune juice” smell.
Elderflowers, distinct from the berries, emit a sweet, honey-like, floral aroma. This fragrance is attributed to compounds such as cis-rose oxide, hotrienol, and nonanal, creating a scent often described as delicate and sweet with fresh, green undertones.
Other parts of the elderberry plant, such as the leaves and stems, have different and often less pleasant aromas. When crushed, these parts can release a pungent or “off” smell, sometimes described as a cat urine-like odor. These plant parts contain cyanogenic compounds, and a pear- or almond-like scent can indicate the presence of cyanide, signifying their toxicity.
Identifying Elderberry by Scent
The distinctive aroma of elderberries and their flowers can serve as a helpful clue in identification. The unique floral scent of elderflowers in late spring and early summer often makes the shrubs easy to spot from a distance. The fruity, earthy scent of ripe elderberries can also aid in their recognition.
While scent provides a useful indicator, it should always be used in conjunction with visual identification for safety, especially when foraging. Key visual characteristics include the plant’s shrub or small tree form, compound leaves with serrated leaflets, and white flowers arranged in flat-topped clusters called umbels. Ripe berries are dark purple to black and grow in drooping clusters. Unripe green or red berries are toxic and should be avoided.