Micro Growing Sciences (MGS)

MGS Growing Series: Production Options

Production Options: "Elderberries"

The MGS Growing Series relates scientific information, growing principles, and implementation techniques for specific crops applicable with the MGS Growing Systems and the MGS Total Growing Systems.

VEGETATIVE vs. REPRODUCTIVE:

There are 2 major differences in plant growing cycles that are to occur in appropriate growing stages. The first difference includes all plants that are not allowed to produce blooms/seeds during the growing cycle which is referred to as vegetative growth. Such plants would include leafy vegetables, grasses, alfalfa, etc. The second difference includes all plants that are allowed to produce blooms/seeds (or some phase between blooming and final seed production) during the growing cycle which is referred to as reproductive growth. Such plants would include fruits, melons, grains, nuts, etc. Both of these growing cycles are distinctively different from each other and happen separately at different growing stages through the complete growing cycle. The competing of these 2 cycles during the wrong plant stage not only reduces yields and quality but can also increase plant disease & insect stresses. The MGS Growing Systems is similar for the complete growing cycles and growing stages of all plants; however, some minor changes are necessary to keep the major difference between the two.

ELDERBERRY PRODUCTION:

The MGS Growing System will be used for elderberry production at the MGS Research Area near Platte City, Missouri. The MGS Growing Systems is a good fit for elderberry production with anticipation of the same results as with other crops (significantly higher yields, quality, and nutrient levels, along with earlier harvests). The product demand and generous prices along with mechanized harvesting could make elderberry production one of Missouri’s most profitable crops on a cost per acre. Elderberry production is similar to all reproductive growing systems. Those interested in elderberry production with the MGS Growing Systems should follow the suggested MGS 7 Step By Step Browsing Protocol to learn more. MGS offers mini grower training sessions targeted specifically for small growers to learn the "basics" of the MGS Growing Systems. MGS does have Missouri grown elderberry juice (not concentrate) and elderberry jelly for sale. Contact MGS for further information, scheduling, and pricing.

ELDERBERRY JUICE & JELLY:

The State of Missouri with the assistance of the University of Missouri and the Elderberry Producer Association began efforts in 2004 to grow and market elderberry products to meet the rising United States demand. Elderberries have been recognized in Europe for years regarding its nutritional benefits. The elderberry juice produced in Missouri is raw juice (not processed as a concentrate) bottled in 11 fl. oz. glass bottles. The raw juice is also used to make elderberry jelly comes in 4 oz glass jars.. Elderberry juice and jelly are available from Micro Growing Sciences (MGS). Contact MGS for prices and shipping arrangements.

ELDERBERRY PRODUCTION:

The MGS Growing System will be used for elderberry production at the MGS Research Area near Platte City, Missouri. The MGS Growing Systems is a good fit for elderberry production with anticipation of the same results as with other crops (higher yields, quality, and earlier harvests). The product demand and generous prices along with mechanized harvesting could make elderberry production one of Missouri’s most profitable crops.

ELDERBERRY BENEFITS:

The benefits described by MGS are not claims but information taken from the internet. Each person with further interest is responsible for verifying potential benefits. The list of attributes that Elderberry boasts for health benefits is impressive. Elderberry works as a simple cleanser and also as an antioxidant. It has 5 times the level of natural antioxidants as blueberries. It is also a diuretic, an anti-inflammatory, an anti-catarrhal, and can act as a mild laxative. This useful herb can be used for bronchitis, catarrh, coughs, sore throats, fevers (by promotes profuse sweating) influenza (effective against eight different strains), neuralgia, rheumatism, sciatica, skin disorders, and even hay fever.
There is new evidence concluding that Elderberries have great value in fighting flu and other similar viruses. Elderberry has proven itself in many studies to successfully reduce the viral impact of cold and flu viruses. Recent research has shown that components (flavonoids) in Elderberry bind directly to virus particles including Human Influenza A (H1N1) (also known as Swine Flu) virus particles. This binding blocked the ability of the viruses to enter host cells, and thereby effectively preventing H1N1 infection and its ability to reproduce. There have been positive results with HIV, herpes, and Epstein-Barr viruses.
Elderberry is primarily recognized as providing natural support for the immune system. Elderberry contains concentrated amounts of vitamin C, flavonoids, fruit acids, and anthocyanic pigments. It also works as a gentle cleanser and supports longevity as a tonic. This is actually where it got the name "Elder." Hippocrates even promoted elderberry as an all purpose tonic. It is also an excellent source for Vitamins A, B, B6, Potassium, Calcium, and Iron. The Elderberry contains sterols, tannins, beta-carotene, and essential oils.

Serving Size: 100 grams
	Elderberry	Apple	Grape	Banana	Orange
Vitamin C	36 mg	15 mg	3 mg	10 mg	49 mg
Sugars	0 mg	12 mg	15.5 mg	20.5 mg	10.5 mg
Calories	73	49	64	88	47
Potassium	230 mg	170 mg	191 mg	358 mg	181 mg
Fiber	7 g	2.5 g	2 g	2.5 g	2 g

Table 1. Chemical composition of various small fruits. Adapted from (Products and Services: Fruits and Fruits Juices, 2005).

Fruit	Water	Energy (kcal)	Iron (mg)	Phosphorous (mg)	Vitamin A (IU)	Vitamin C (mg)
Blueberry	84	27	0.28	12	54	9.7
Cranberry	87	46	0.25	13	60	13.3
Elderberry	80	73	1.60	39	600	36.0
Grape	81	69	0.36	20	66	10.8
Mulberry	89	43	0.62	22	214	21.0
Raspberry	86	52	0.69	29	33	26.2
Strawberry	91	32	0.42	24	12	58.8

In 2007, The United States Department of Agriculture looked at the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) or overall antioxidant capability of various berries. They studied the antioxidant capacity of certain berries in terms of how effective they were at attacking these damaging free radicals. The higher the figure obtained the more antioxidant capacity the berries had. Of the berries studied, the elderberry had one of the highest total antioxidant capacities.

 

Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) of Selected Fruits

Fruit	ORAC mmol TE/100g			Total Phenolics (mg GAE/100g)
	Hydrophilic ORAC	Lipophilic ORAC	Total ORAC
Blackberry	5245	103	5347	660
Blueberry	6520	36	6552	531
Cherry (sweet)	3348	17	3365	339
Chokeberry	15820	242	16062	2010
Cranberry	9382	202	9584	718
Elderberry	14500	197	14697	1950
Grape, red	1260	NM	1260	177
Orange	1785	34	1819	337
Plum	6241	17	6259	367
Raspberry	4745	138	4882	502
Strawberry	3541	36	3577	3678
Tomato, plum	546	NM	546	36

Source: United States Department of Agriculture Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) of Selected Foods - 2007

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"Elderberries"

CONTACT MGS:

Contact MGS for learning more regarding the MGS Growing Systems, the MGS Total Systems Approach, and/or how to participate in the MGS Growing Projects or MGS Grower Training Sessions.

 

chuck@microgrowingsciences.com
(Office) 816-858-5836      816-509-4511 (Cell)

 

 

 

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