{"title":"Best Berries for Juice","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe 8 varieties in our catalog that scored 8 or higher out of 10 for juice, nectar, syrup and sweet cider. Scored on yield, balance of sugar to acid, and whether the color holds.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAn 8 is Very good on the adapted Beach (1905) grade, a 9 is Very good to best and a 10 is Best. Varieties that scored 6 or 7 are genuinely good at this too, and you will find them under the matching Shop by Use group.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvery score in this list is sourced. Nothing is here because it is popular, and nothing is here on our word alone. The full evidence, including what each variety scored for every other use and why, is in the use guide.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"adams-elderberry-bundle-of-2","title":"Adam's Elderberry (Bundle of 2)","description":"\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAdam’s Elderberry originated in New York State in 1926 and is known for its exceptionally large berries. It ripens about two weeks before Ranch—so roughly mid-August here in Missoula.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eProductive, Hardy \u0026amp; Fall-Friendly\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThis variety tolerates wet locations well, is productive and hardy, and shows off with lovely fall foliage. The berries are perfect for pies, jam, juices, and wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eA Tonic for Winter Wellness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eElderberry juice is one of the best natural remedies for colds and flu, and it makes a wonderful winter tonic!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003ePollination \u0026amp; Planting Tips\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFor best fruit set, plant with John's, Ranch or North American Black Elderberry to ensure good cross-pollination. Hardy to Zone 3.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003ePlant Size \u0026amp; Root Health\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThese shrubs are 1–2 feet tall and have excellent root systems, with lots of fine root hairs to help them establish quickly.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42496796098626,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/adams-elderberry-berries.webp?v=1789019153"},{"product_id":"ben-lomand-black-currant-bundle-of-2","title":"Ben Lomand Black Currant (Bundle of 2)","description":"\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThis is our second year growing Ben Lomond currants, and we were actually able to taste the fruit already. The fruit is quite good—perhaps the sweetest of all black currants we’ve ever tried.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eFlavor Comparison \u0026amp; Use\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThese will be far less sweet than the Montana Black Currants, though that’s not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, we’ve heard from some of our customers that Montana Black Currants make the \u003cem\u003ebest\u003c\/em\u003e jam. These would complement them quite well—or they could simply be purchased on their own—thanks to their nice, large, sweet berries. They’d likely be great in baked goods, too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eCold Hardiness \u0026amp; Plant Size\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eHardy to -50°F, these Ben Lomond currants are roughly 1–2 feet tall and very well rooted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"border:1px solid #cfcfcf;border-left:4px solid #8a1c1c;background:#faf7f6;padding:14px 18px;margin-top:28px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShipping restrictions — white pine blister rust quarantine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003eBlack currants (\u003cem\u003eRibes nigrum\u003c\/em\u003e and its hybrids) are an alternate host for white pine blister rust. We \u003cstrong\u003ecannot ship this plant to Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Virginia, or West Virginia\u003c\/strong\u003e, where its sale or importation is prohibited by state law.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePermit or local restrictions also apply in:\u003c\/strong\u003e Michigan and New Jersey (state permit required) and New York (prohibited outside designated fruiting-currant districts unless the cultivar is certified rust-resistant). Several other states restrict planting only within specific counties or townships.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0;font-size:0.9em;color:#555;\"\u003eOrders placed to a prohibited state will be cancelled and refunded.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"6-12\"","offer_id":42547414106178,"sku":null,"price":39.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"1-2 ft.","offer_id":42547414138946,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"2-3 ft.","offer_id":42547414171714,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/ben-lomand-black-currant-fruit.webp?v=1789019191"},{"product_id":"consort-black-currant","title":"Consort Black Currant (Bundle of 2)","description":"\u003ch3\u003eFlavor Profile\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConsort black currants are sweet with slight acidity and a nice fruity flavor. These are slightly more tart than the Ben Lomand black currants which are quite sweet, certainly more so than the Montana Black. Hardy to -50F. Zone 2.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePlant Size\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese 2027 Consort black currants are on average 1-2 ft. tall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"border:1px solid #cfcfcf;border-left:4px solid #8a1c1c;background:#faf7f6;padding:14px 18px;margin-top:28px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShipping restrictions — white pine blister rust quarantine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003eBlack currants (\u003cem\u003eRibes nigrum\u003c\/em\u003e and its hybrids) are an alternate host for white pine blister rust. We \u003cstrong\u003ecannot ship this plant to Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Virginia, or West Virginia\u003c\/strong\u003e, where its sale or importation is prohibited by state law.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePermit or local restrictions also apply in:\u003c\/strong\u003e Michigan and New Jersey (state permit required). Consort is a rust-immune cultivar, which may qualify it for the resistant-cultivar exemption under New York law — New York buyers should confirm with NYSDAM before ordering. Several other states restrict planting only within specific counties or townships.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0;font-size:0.9em;color:#555;\"\u003eOrders placed to a prohibited state will be cancelled and refunded.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"1-2 ft.","offer_id":42547463651394,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/consort-black-currant-fruit.webp?v=1789019810"},{"product_id":"elderberry-bundle-of-5","title":"Elderberry, American (Bundle of 3)","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eA medium to large, multi-stemmed, open, spreading shrub reaching 6–10 feet tall, American Elderberry produces large white flower clusters followed by purple-black fruits in late summer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eImmune-Boosting \u0026amp; Versatile\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThe berries are known for their immune-boosting properties and are best used for this purpose in syrups and tinctures. They also make excellent jam.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eCold-Hardy and Reliable\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eHardy to Zone 2.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eOther Varieties Available\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eAlso see our other cultivated varieties of elderberry in the Shrubs section of the site.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"2-3 ft.","offer_id":42535380615234,"sku":null,"price":79.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/american-elderberry-berries.webp?v=1789019845"},{"product_id":"ranch-elderberry-bundle-of-3","title":"Ranch Elderberry (Bundle of 2)","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eRanch produces larger elderberries with more vigor. The fruit ripens about two weeks later than Adams, which should be planted nearby for best pollination—though North American Black Elderberry can also do the job.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eEasy to Grow, Beautiful in Bloom\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThis variety requires very little maintenance. In spring, giant clusters of white flowers bloom, turning into soft, nearly black berries by late summer. Both the elderflowers and the ripe elderberries are edible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eCold Hardy \u0026amp; Productive\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eRanch ripens near the end of August and is reliably cold-hardy—great for northern growers. Hardy to Zone 3.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eCurrent Size \u0026amp; Root Health\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThese shrubs are available in two sizes, 1–2 feet tall and 2-3 ft. tall. These are potted transplants (not field grown), so they come with lots of fine root hairs and are ready to thrive.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"1-2 ft.","offer_id":42503635664962,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"2-3 ft.","offer_id":42503635697730,"sku":null,"price":79.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/ranch-elderberry-berries.webp?v=1789020871"},{"product_id":"johns-elderberry","title":"John's Elderberry (Bundle of 2)","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJohn’s Elderberry (commonly listed as \u003cstrong\u003eJohns\u003c\/strong\u003e) is a cold-hardy American elderberry (\u003cem\u003eSambucus canadensis\u003c\/em\u003e) selected in eastern Canada and long valued by northern growers for its reliability, productivity, and fruit quality. It has been widely planted in cold regions of the U.S. and Canada and is often used as a benchmark cultivar when evaluating elderberry performance in short-season, cold-winter climates. John's has done consistently well for us in Western Montana.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit Quality \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJohn’s produces large clusters of dark purple to nearly black berries with good juice content. Like most American elderberries, the fruit is not intended for fresh eating but excels when processed. It is widely used for syrups, juice, wine, tinctures, jams, and other medicinal or culinary preparations. John’s is often noted for good flavor concentration and high yields, making it especially useful for processing at scale.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit \u0026amp; Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJohn’s Elderberry grows as a vigorous, multi-stemmed shrub, typically reaching \u003cstrong\u003e6–8 feet tall and wide\u003c\/strong\u003e under good conditions. Plants spread gradually from the crown and respond well to coppicing or renewal pruning. A practical spacing is \u003cstrong\u003e6–10 feet apart\u003c\/strong\u003e, depending on whether plants are managed as individual shrubs or in a hedgerow system. Regular pruning encourages strong new growth and higher fruit production, as elderberries fruit on new wood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJohn’s Elderberry is consistently described as \u003cstrong\u003eextremely cold hardy\u003c\/strong\u003e, with many extension and nursery references placing it solidly in \u003cstrong\u003eUSDA Hardiness Zone 3\u003c\/strong\u003e. This matches our experience. 5 year old John's had survived -38\u003cstrong\u003e°F in Corvallis, MT on 1\/13\/24. \u003c\/strong\u003eLiterature cites it is hardy down to -40°F, although it may even be hardier than this because even when top growth is damaged in severe winters, plants typically regrow vigorously from the crown in spring, which is a key reason elderberries perform so reliably in very cold climates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eElderberries are partially self-fertile, but \u003cstrong\u003ecross-pollination significantly improves fruit set and yield\u003c\/strong\u003e. Planting John’s alongside another American elderberry cultivar (such as Adams or our Black Elderberry) is strongly recommended for best performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOther Notable Characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJohn’s is frequently highlighted for its combination of cold hardiness, heavy bearing, and suitability for medicinal use. Like all elderberries, fruit must be cooked before consumption. The shrub also offers ecological value, with abundant spring flowers for pollinators and late-season fruit for birds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003ePlant Size \u0026amp; Root Health\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThese shrubs are 1–2 feet tall and have excellent root systems, with lots of fine root hairs to help them establish quickly.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42499661660226,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/johns-elderberry-berries.jpg?v=1789020384"},{"product_id":"sea-buckthorn-bundle-of-5","title":"Sea Buckthorn (Bundle of 5)","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese sea buckthorn seedlings (\u003cem\u003eHippophae rhamnoides\u003c\/em\u003e) are exceptionally hardy, nitrogen-fixing shrubs valued for their bright orange, nutrient-dense berries, wind tolerance, and ability to thrive in poor soils. This offering is a bundle of five seed-grown plants, from a super hardy seed source from North Dakota, ideal for establishing a productive planting with built-in pollination odds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin and History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSea buckthorn is native to a broad region spanning Europe and Asia, where it has long been used for food, medicine, land restoration, and erosion control. It has been widely planted in cold, dry, and marginal landscapes due to its extreme resilience, deep roots, and ability to improve soil through nitrogen fixation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFemale plants produce clusters of vivid orange berries that are extremely rich in vitamin C, carotenoids, and omega fatty acids. The berries are tart and acidic when fresh, and are most commonly used for juice, syrups, jams, sauces, oils, and fermented products. Can be eaten fresh but they're pretty tart for most. Male plants do not produce fruit but are essential for pollination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit \u0026amp; Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSea buckthorn forms a vigorous, multi-stemmed shrub, typically reaching 8–12 feet tall and wide, though size varies with site and pruning. Plants spread via suckers and are well suited to hedgerows, shelterbelts, and restoration plantings. Spacing of 6–10 feet between plants is common, depending on whether a dense hedge or more open planting is desired. Full sun and well-drained soils are preferred, but the plant tolerates drought, wind, cold, and low fertility extremely well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSea buckthorn is dioecious, meaning individual plants are either male or female. Pollination is wind-driven, not insect-based, so having at least one male nearby is essential for fruit production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese plants are grown from seed, which means there is no fixed male-to-female ratio in any given bundle. However, in large populations, seed-grown sea buckthorn naturally averages about 50% male and 50% female.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause the sex of seedlings cannot be determined until they flower, the ratio within a bundle of five is random. Statistically, each seedling has a 50% chance of being male and a 50% chance of being female.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo put the odds in practical terms:\u003cbr\u003eThe probability that all five seedlings are female is (0.5)⁵, or 3.125%.\u003cbr\u003eThat means the probability that a bundle of five contains at least one male is 96.875%.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn real-world terms, almost every bundle of five will include a male, making this an effective and practical way to establish a fruiting planting from seedlings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSummary:\u003cbr\u003eSeedling ratio: roughly 50\/50 male–female\u003cbr\u003eOdds your bundle of five includes at least one male: ~97%\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSea buckthorn is extremely cold-hardy and can survive into the -40°F range once established. It is also highly tolerant of wind exposure and winter desiccation, making it one of the most reliable fruiting shrubs for harsh, continental climates. Great shelter belt as well. Zone 2. Will survive in the vast majority of Montana.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlants are 3-5 ft. tall\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"border:1px solid #cfcfcf;border-left:4px solid #8a1c1c;background:#faf7f6;padding:14px 18px;margin-top:28px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShipping restrictions — state invasive plant law\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003eSea buckthorn (\u003cem\u003eHippophae rhamnoides\u003c\/em\u003e) is named on Maine’s list of invasive plants prohibited from sale or import. We \u003cstrong\u003ecannot ship this plant to Maine\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003eSea buckthorn suckers freely and spreads by seed. Please check your own state and county noxious-weed list before planting, and site it where suckering can be managed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0;font-size:0.9em;color:#555;\"\u003eOrders placed to a prohibited state will be cancelled and refunded.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"3-5 ft.","offer_id":42535344308290,"sku":null,"price":119.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/sea-buckthorn-berries-on-branch.jpg?v=1789021038"},{"product_id":"titania-black-currant-bundle-of-2","title":"Titania Black Currant (Bundle of 2)","description":"\u003cp\u003eNew Variety. Description Coming Soon!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"1-2 ft.","offer_id":45181660430402,"sku":null,"price":54.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/MontanaFruitTreeCoPhotoComingSoon_0933486d-e16e-4108-805f-bee693c18ee5.png?v=1788986678"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.montanafruittrees.com\/collections\/best-berries-for-juice.oembed","provider":"Montana Fruit Trees","version":"1.0","type":"link"}