Elder Flowers Turned Brown When Drying,can I Still Use Them?

Question

I picked a bunch of red elderberry flowers and the next day processed them and dried them above my wood stove but they turned brown.ive heard if there brown there no good to use:(is this true?!also how do I properly dry them?was the wood stove too hot of heat maybe?I live off grid with no electricity.maybe if I hang them in my house away from wood stove that would dry them to a light brown/cream/yellow color instead?help please,I don’t want to mess this up again and be disrespectful to momma elder!here are before and after drying photos.

Answer 1

I looked at several images of dried elderflowers on the internet and they do, indeed, look somewhat brown. With most herbs, the best way to dry them is with air circulation, not heat. As to their potency after drying them over your woodstove, I would not know. I think your best bet is a dry, warm spot that isn't hot. If they air dry without heat, the natural oils may stay more intact. Here's an article that should help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/elderberry/growing-elderflowers-in-the-garden.htm