Poorly kept/prepared Elderberries

[DanRM]

After chatting to my sister in laws parents about my plans to try an elderberry wine last week, I've been handed around 6lbs of elderberries that they'd picked and de-stalked. Asking for a few bottles in return. The problem is they have been 'relaxed' on how ripe some of them were and there are still quite a few small stalks in the mix. On top of this they have kept them in their fridge for a week so they've started to shrivel.

I've tried my best to pick through them but still not at what I'd like. Are these ok to try and use if I either bag them in the bucket or maybe heat and strain? Or just bin them and replace with my own?

Thanks

 

[Tau]

Use them quickly and simmer on heat then sulphinate them before fermenting to kill wild yeasts and molds. Should be ok, probably!

 

[tonyhibbett]

If you steep them in water, the under ripe ones will rise to the surface and can be skimmed off. A few bits of stalk will not be a problem.

 

[DanRM]

If you steep them in water, the under ripe ones will rise to the surface and can be skimmed off. A few bits of stalk will not be a problem.

Ah cheers for that. Never really thought of doing that, very helpful tip