Research and Publications

CURRENT PUBLICATIONS

ONGOING RESEARCH

National Institute of Food and Agriculture, SBIR Phase I: Diversifying the Regional Wine Industry Through Sustainably Grown Sambucus

"The adoption of Sambucus as a constituent of regionally produced wines is within reach, but relies on standardization of cultivation practices tailored to superior varieties developed for use within the Florida wine-making industry. Logistical limitations have long reduced the domestic elder crop's commercial viability due to global competition, with the unfortunate result being that the elder used in most markets within the US is routinely imported from Europe along with particular problems in purity and potency. This project offers in-depth research on the creation of a viable domestic product to be consumed as a singular wine or as an ingredient of muscadine blends in a manner complementary to the existing wine industry of the Southeast. By combining the use of two plant species which grow readily in Florida's climate we will demonstrate the viability of sustainably grown Sambucus for the regional small farm community. Key to this success will be a firm understanding of the nutritional composition of the farm product in several potential forms post-processing."

_____________________

ADDITIONAL RESEARCH

SARE Grant FS19-317: Analysis of the Antioxidant Qualities of Flowers and Fruits of Several Commercial Varieties of Sambucus nigra ssp. Canadensis (The North American Black Elderberry) in Florida

" Sambucus nigra ssp. canadensis (elderberry) has emerged as a candidate for sustainable cultivation in the South and specifically in Florida. Lack of research concerning the effects of local conditions on the antioxidant and other chemical properties of flowers and fruit of established commercial varieties of elderberry presents an opportunity for investigation."