How to identify UK Elderberries

[Steve172360]

I foraged about a kilo of Elderberies from some bushes/trees I found. Checking the berries, I notices that had a hard stone in them them and the flesh was cream coloured not purple as I expected. The leaves that were on the bush were not serrated. Looking online was no help as what I foraged looked the same as photos on line.
Can anyone confirm what I have, are they elderberries or something else?
Thanks
Steve

 

[winemaker81]

Take a picture of the leaves and the berries, and post them.

I'd be very cautious with that fruit, as it doesn't sound like elderberries. Freeze them until you confirm they are safe -- if unsure in any way, don't use them.

 

[BigDaveK]

Nearly impossible to identify without pictures but they don't sound like the elderberries I know and use.

 

[BigDaveK]

Here's something I found from the British Trust for Ornithology. Has pictures of berries and maybe it will help.

https://www.bto.org/sites/default/f...sociated_files/berry-identification-sheet.pdf

 

[bearpaw8491]

Have never seen a cream colored elderberry. Proceed with extreme caution until positive ID is confirmed. There's plenty of good advice here when you post pictures.

 

[winemanden]

I hope this helps. According to T.Edwin Belt's book, Winemaking with Elderberries, Sambucus Nigra Fructuluteo, with yellow-coloured berries, suitable for white wines.
However, this is from the Royal Horticultural Society!

 

[bearpaw8491]

Interesting. The berries of the Sambucus nigra we have in NC are dark purple when ripe and stain like crazy. I made a very nice Chianti-style wine from them in years past. I opened a bottle earlier this year and it continues to improve.
I also made an elderflower wine in cooperation with Big Dave this summer. It also holds promise for a very good wine. It's still in bulk at the present time.
Thanks for the UK info input. I'll do some more research on your variety.
Here's a link with a similar description of yellow fruit.

https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/78973#b

 

[Huba Huba]

"a hard stone in them them", This too does not sound like elderberry. most have 3-5 small seeds in each berry

 

[Steve172360]

Thank you all for you comments. Very helpful.