From the Flower Farm to the Elderberry Grove
In Episode 86 of The Flower Files, we took a detour from petals and stems to dive into a different kind of plant medicine—elderberries. These tiny powerhouse berries have been trusted for centuries, but thanks to people like Russell Carter of Heartland Elderberry Farms, they’re experiencing a well-deserved comeback.
Russell isn’t just growing elderberries—he’s reshaping what good elderberry syrup can be. As a fellow farmer and natural wellness enthusiast, we couldn’t wait to unpack his story, his process, and the fascinating intersection of bees, berries, and better health.
How Beekeeping Led to a Berry Breakthrough
Russell’s journey started with bees. For over a decade, he and his family have run a commercial honeybee operation with more than 450 hives. Elderberries weren’t even on the radar—until his family got tired of foraging and planted just 15 bushes to have on hand for homemade syrup.
Sound familiar?
Like so many of us, he started small. But once they tasted the difference that fresh elderberries + raw honey could make, they were hooked—and so was everyone they shared it with. Demand quickly outgrew those 15 plants, and before long, they had 3,000 plants in the ground. Today, they add 2,000 to 5,000 new elderberry bushes every year.
That’s the kind of growth we dream about: organic, intentional, and grounded in real value.
What Sets Fresh Elderberry Syrup Apart
We’ve all seen elderberry products lining store shelves, especially during cold and flu season. But Russell pulled back the curtain on something most consumers don’t know: most commercial elderberry syrups use dehydrated berries imported from Europe.
That matters—a lot.
When elderberries are dried and reconstituted with water, they lose up to 20% of their nutritional value. Worse, there are no standard guidelines for how much water to add back in. The result? Watery syrups with diluted potency—and way less benefit than we’re led to believe.
In contrast, Russell’s farm processes berries the same day they’re picked. The juice is pressed that afternoon and frozen by evening, locking in maximum potency and flavor. Their syrup has 9,500 mg of elderberry per serving—compared to around 300 mg in some mass-market gummies.
The Gummy Trap (aka: Candy in Disguise)
We couldn’t help but laugh when Russell referred to many elderberry gummies as “basically candy.” He’s not wrong.
Flip the label and you’ll often find corn syrup, cane sugar, and a long list of preservatives—before you even get to the elderberry. What’s worse, the actual elderberry content is usually low, vague (“proprietary blend”), and nowhere near therapeutic.
That’s why Russell’s five-ingredient formula stood out to us:
- Fresh elderberry juice
- Raw honey from their own hives
- Freshly juiced ginger
- Ceylon cinnamon
- Star anise
No fillers. No water. Just real ingredients, crafted with intention!
Why Elderberries Deserve a Spot in Your Daily Routine
We’ve always known elderberries were good for immune support, but this episode deepened our understanding. As Russell shared, elderberries contain three times the antioxidants of wild blueberries, and ongoing studies have shown their potential to support immune function by helping protect our cells from infection.
Whether you’re taking it seasonally or daily, elderberry syrup is a natural ally—and when it’s made right, it’s something the whole family actually wants to take. (Even Russell’s kids ask for it every day.)
Want to Grow Elderberries Yourself? Here’s How to Start
We know many of you are DIYers and backyard growers, so we asked Russell how beginners can get started. His advice was simple and encouraging:
✅ Use cuttings, not seeds
✅ Plant during dormancy (late winter to early spring)
✅ Keep soil moist—elderberries love wet, boggy conditions
✅ Grow at least two varieties for proper pollination
Elderberry bushes can produce for up to 10 years once established, and they thrive in many parts of the U.S. It’s a surprisingly low-maintenance crop—one we’re now seriously considering adding to our own farm.
Marketing with Meaning: How Heartland Elderberry Farms Grew Naturally
We’re always inspired by people who grow their business with purpose, and Russell is no exception. With a background in marketing, he knew how to communicate value—but he credits the product itself for doing most of the talking.
From farmers markets to local stores, Heartland Elderberry Farms grew through word of mouth and genuine product education. Today, they sell on multiple platforms, including:
- HeartlandElderberryFarms.com
- Amazon
- Walmart.com
- And a growing list of wholesale partners
His advice to consumers? Always read the label, know where your ingredients come from, and choose real over convenient.
From Root to Remedy: What This Episode Taught Us
This conversation reminded us why we love what we do. At its core, farming isn’t just about the end product—it’s about the care, curiosity, and community we cultivate along the way. Russell’s story is proof that small farms can produce big impact, especially when they stay rooted in integrity.
Elderberries are more than a trend. They’re a tool for wellness, a connection to the land, and a beautiful example of how nature provides what we need—if we treat it right.
We’re so grateful to Russell for sharing his expertise, and we hope you walk away from this episode feeling as inspired as we did.
Want to Try Heartland Elderberry Syrup?
The best way to learn more is to visit HeartlandElderberryFarms.com. You’ll find:
- Side-by-side product comparisons
- FAQs about elderberry syrup
- Details on growing and sourcing
You can also follow them on:
- Instagram: @HeartlandElderberryFarms
- Facebook: Heartland Elderberry Farms
And if you loved this episode, share it with a friend who’s passionate about wellness, farming, or just wants a better syrup for their shelf.
Until next time—keep blooming where you’re planted!
